If you’ve ever asked for my opinion on winter, you’ll most likely get this response: “It sucks, man.” Frankly, I’ve just never been a fan of the season, especially in Ithaca. There’s something daunting about winter mornings. An icy frost that sneaks up the cuffs of my jacket. I try to throw on as many layers as I can, but it always seems to find a way to touch my skin, reminding me that there’s no defense against the cold.
And there’s always the challenge of walking into the school. As soon as I get past the carpeting and try to walk to my locker, there’s a field of slush; just enough to cause the occasional slip. I can spend as many seconds as I want finding my footing, but as soon as I least expect it, bam! I’m on the ground, looking up, my face red; doubly so because of the coldness on my cheeks and the burning embarrassment.
This year I feel a bit different. Maybe it’s the creeping senioritis pulling at my psyche, telling me to keep it cool about everything. But there has to be something more to it. I definitely think that I’ve been subject to confirmation bias, a tendency to look for things that confirm existing beliefs. I really hate bias, so I’ve committed myself to finding reasons to love winter and I would like you to share this sentiment.
Winter is a time of halting. I think this spirit pervades everyone living in Ithaca. Things move slower, as if they are trapped in ice. During the winter, I feel as though I have a better perception of the world around me. It’s not often that I feel such slowness, but it provides a special opportunity to soak in the beauty of the world. Take the time to watch as snow falls onto the green grass of your yard. Flakes land ever so slowly, a relentless army of warriors against the earth. Some melt in the process, but as the horde continues, eventually snow overtakes the asphalt. A beautiful war, isn’t it?
Okay, okay, I know I’m a sentimental person. So, here’s something more practical to enjoy: the heat! Upstairs G is infamous for being hot at all times. You can rush into school (be careful, you don’t want to slip) and find your way into a classroom. The warmth surrounds you and wavers against the previous chill on your skin. Your goosebumps fade away and you eventually find a middle ground after you have experienced the two extremes of warm and cold.
Perhaps I am too optimistic. I can talk about hot chocolate, warm sweaters and good times enjoying the winter, but will it really happen? Am I just convincing myself of another lie? Maybe, but sometimes you have to lie to yourself to start moving forward. Take my opinion with a grain of salt, but do consider the following.
Winter is a season locked between death and life. Autumn marks the fading of leaves into vibrant oranges, reds, and browns. However, autumn also signals that death is happening. Once autumn starts rolling forward, trees become bare and lackluster. Spring is, of course, the opposite. Vibrant hues bustling around cities. Flowers sprouting wherever they can. Brilliant yellows, greens, blues all colliding There is a spiritual quality to this. Winter is the essence of neutrality. Think about it.