The Vulnerability of the Season

I had one of my last Central Park weddings last Friday. I sat on a bench near the Ladies Pavilion waiting for a lovely couple from Norway and a few of their friends and family. As I looked towards Central Park West most of the trees were bare, and I could easily see the buildings just outside the park. It’s rare to be able to see the New York Historical Society and the Universalist Church of New York buildings from inside the park. And I thought about vulnerability. The usual lushness of Central Park was rather bare. As if all of its secrets were exposed.

We are exactly opposite from the trees. As if we in some way complement the other. During the winter months we bundle up to brave the cold and tend to gain a few pounds based on less activity, holiday parties and comforting heavier foods. During the warmer months, we head outside, wear lighter clothes, are more physically active and tend to lose the weight we gained. While the trees are full of life and color, we’re more exposed in tank tops and shorts. Does this make us more vulnerable? Perhaps.

How does this vulnerability affect those around us? How does it manifest in yourself? Do you notice a change in how open you feel based on the seasons or the weather? If you are normally “hard to read” or “closed up” is there something you can do to let others in? Or if you do feel exposed, how do you protect yourself?

Please feel free to share your insights, questions and advice below. And here’s to a safe and happy Winter!