Winter in the Midwest can be brutal. Writer and teacher Parker Palmer talks about its gifts. The season requires preparation, vigilance, and patience. And not everyone is ready for the challenge.

It can be slow-going. But Palmer reminds us that “times of dormancy and deep rest are essential to all living things.” Not that many creatures hibernate, but I can see the wisdom in the system.

Writing Prompt

Get cozy. Choose your own adventure.

• Write about a time you had to take it easier than usual. What happened? How did it go? What did you learn?
• Write about being stuck in a line. Traffic. Grocery store. Roller coaster queue. Visiting Santa. On a donor list. Sky’s the limit. Pick one, write about it.
• Write about a time when things seemed to be moving in slow motion. What did it feel like? What made things expand like that?