Change is a storm you were made to weather
Face the wind and find your calm.
It’s good to see you, wildling! 🌱
Spring is almost here in the northern hemisphere, and change is in the air.
Whether you welcome it or wrestle with it, change is inevitable. But the way we get through it? That’s where the magic is. ✨
Let’s take inspiration from a creature that meets challenges bravely and talk about the power of facing change with courage.
Through the Storm, Toward the Light
Change comes for all of us, like shifting seasons or gathering clouds.
Sometimes, it’s an overwhelming blizzard, blanketing everything in uncertainty. Other times, it’s a slow, relentless drizzle—change so gradual we don’t realize how much it’s worn us down until we feel drenched in exhaustion.
When change arrives, we have choices.
⚡We can ignore it, but that only delays the inevitable.
⚡We can run from it, but that only prolongs our discomfort.
⚡Or we can meet it head-on, like the bison, knowing storms don’t last forever.
Bison don’t seek shelter when a storm rolls in. They turn into it and keep moving forward. 🌨️
Some say they do this because they instinctively understand that facing the storm will help them get through it faster. While we don’t know if that’s their intention, what we do know is that they don’t hide, they don’t turn back, and they don’t wait for the storm to pass. They push through.
And so can we.
When life’s storms gather, we can take inspiration from the bison. We may not have their size, but we have something just as powerful: resilience.
We have our support networks (including our wild world!), inner fortitude, and ability to adapt. When change feels overwhelming, we can ground ourselves in nature-inspired wellness practices that steady us when everything else feels uncertain.
We can create a sanctuary in our homes, routines, and quiet times where we breathe deeply and remind ourselves: This storm will pass. I will get through it. And I will grow from this.
Facing change isn’t easy, but avoiding it won’t make it easier.
The only way out is through. Keep going. The sun will shine again. ☀️
What It Means to Be Like the Bison
I first learned about the bison and storms through the work of Jonna Jinton, a Swedish artist, photographer, filmmaker, musician, and jewelry designer whose world feels like something out of a dream.
She lives in the far north, surrounded by ancient forests, humming mountains, singing lakes, the midnight sun's steady light, and the polar night's heavy darkness. Her videos transport me to a place I long to experience. One where the wild speaks freely and loudly, and we are honored to listen. 🌿
In one of her vlogs, she spoke about bison facing storms head-on. That image and her beautiful words stayed with me, replaying in my mind on repeat.
The idea of bison in storms was an anchor that dropped during that video and has held me steady ever since.
“You are a bison. You are meant to go through storms.” - Jonna Jinton
Jonna created a beautiful line of "be like the bison" jewelry, and two Christmases ago, one of her bracelets was the only gift I wanted. I haven’t taken my bracelet off since I received it from my Mom that Christmas morning.
It moves with me, rolling up and down my wrist and arm throughout the day but never releasing me from its embrace. It's a quiet, steady reminder...
⚡ Face the storm.
⚡ Draw on my strength.
⚡ Find my way through.
The bison movement is everywhere—in videos, photos, articles, and quiet personal reflections across the internet. The concept of bison in storms resonates with many around the world. We feel its power. We recognize its truth.
But knowing we should face life’s challenges is one thing. Having the tools to do it is another.
So, what would it take for you to be like the bison? What do you already have in your life that helps you endure life’s storms? What do you need to add?
This is a good time to brainstorm, whether you're currently facing a challenge or have calm moments to prepare for changes.
For me, it’s a mix of reminders, people, and practices:
1) The bracelet – A simple thing, but powerful. A constant, physical reminder that I’ve got this.
2) My small circle of loved ones – My little herd who holds space for me when I need it.
3) My partner – We face life’s storms together, supporting each other through every gust of wind, drop of rain, and patch of ice. We find beauty in being there for each other.
4) Nature itself – Trees to hug, crows to talk to, the sun’s warmth on my skin. A space where I can recharge, belong, and exist without judgment. A place where I can reconnect with my faith, feet planted firmly on the earth.
5) The practices I’ve developed with the Whispering Wilds – My personal grove of activities I've grown to help me navigate life.
One of those activities is about finding stillness within the storm, a small but mighty practice to carve out moments of peace when everything feels overwhelming.
I'd like to share this stillness with you.✨
The Art of Stillness in a Restless World
Being like the bison is a perfect example of biomimicry in wellness—observing how nature navigates challenges and applying that wisdom to our lives.
In this case, stillness inspired by the bison leads to acceptance, which strengthens resilience.
Stillness is not just the absence of movement. It’s a practice of intentionally stopping, letting go of distractions, and immersing yourself fully in the present moment. It’s setting aside the to-do list. Turning off your phone and shutting out the noise. Accepting yourself and your life exactly as they are so you appreciate what you have and make room for growth.
At first, stillness can feel unnatural. Invasive thoughts may creep in. A restless mind tries to fill the silence. But with time and practice, stillness transforms into a deep well of calm.
For me, stillness isn’t easy, physically or mentally. But I’ve learned that rituals help. Not rituals in a spiritual sense but in small, intentional actions that hold me in the present.
One of my favorite rituals for stillness involves herbal tea. Consciously experiencing it while drinking it. Exploring its warmth, scent, taste, and the way it soothes my body and mind.
And alongside that ritual, I think of the bison.
Eventually, I reach a point of actual stillness where, in the absence of what troubles me, I can see the beauty in the present.
Here's how I do it, step by step.
Steps (and Sips) to Stillness
If meditative states, sitting for long periods, breathwork, and drinking tea are medically and psychologically safe for you, I invite you to follow along. Or simply discard what isn’t safe for you and find a similar way to achieve stillness that meets your needs.
Step 1: Set the Space
Sit comfortably with a warm cup of herbal tea nearby. Silence your phone and make sure you won't be interrupted.
Step 2: Breathe
Close your eyes and take slow, steady breaths, exhaling longer than you inhale. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, telling your body to relax.
Step 3: Visualize the Bison
Picture a bison in the storm. Its enormous frame dusted in snow, standing firm as the wind howls around it. Imagine how it plows through the drifts, uncovering the grass beneath, then settling to eat. Think about its patience.
Step 4: Engage the Senses
Bring yourself back to the present moment through your tea. Open your eyes and take a sip, focusing on every sensation:
🌿 The color of the water, stained with plant essence
🍃 The herbaceous aroma
🔥 The heat of the mug in your hands
💧 The richness of the flavor
🎶 The soft sounds of sipping and swallowing
This sensory immersion helps you release spiraling thoughts and slip into stillness.
Step 5: Allow Stillness to Expand
After a time, put down the tea and close your eyes again, keeping your body relaxed and soft and your heart open. Not resisting. Not overthinking. Just being. If your mind wanders, return to the image of the bison waiting out the storm.
You may feel something shift. You might feel joy in the present. The song of a bird outside. The aftertaste of tea on your lips. The sheer gratitude of being alive in this moment, regardless of what's happening in your life.
This ritual is a way of cultivating calm in chaos.
“Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen—that stillness becomes a radiance.” - Morgan Freeman
You don’t need tea. You don’t need to picture a bison. But I hope you try some form of stillness in your life. A pause in the storm, even briefly, to remind yourself that you are enough and you will get through it.
If you enjoy being present and want more guidance, I highly recommend exploring The Heart of Stillness Substack.
What does stillness look like for you? I’d love to hear how you find calm in life’s storms.
Paid subscribers can hit reply, or free subscribers can email me at dina@whisperingwilds.com. Let’s exchange ideas!
Simple Comforts for a Wild Soul
It’s been a while since I shared my life beyond wellness with you, but I’d love to catch you up on what I’ve enjoyed lately. Maybe you’ll find something here that speaks to you, too.
🎮 What I’m Playing: Sky: Children of the Light is a wholesome multiplayer video game that tugs at the heartstrings with deep narratives woven through nature and spirit. It’s visually breathtaking, but what truly sets it apart is its gentle, wordless communication. Instead of chatting, players primarily interact through body language and soft, musical calls, creating a sense of pure connection and cooperation free from toxicity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to talk isn't with words at all.
📖 What I’m Reading: Soft Rebellion by Shannon Willis—an insightful series exploring a "mycelial" approach to navigating challenging times. Just as mycelium connects and sustains life beneath the earth's surface, we, too, can form interconnected strategies for change.
🍵 What I’m Drinking: Another bag of Tealyra’s “Tranquil Dream” loose-leaf tea* just arrived at my door! This blend of chamomile, honeybush, lavender, pink peppercorn, and other nourishing plants is a balm for my body and mind. When I’m feeling under the weather, I add a few herbs from my medicinal garden—like sage, alpine strawberry leaves, and thyme—for extra comfort and immune support.
*I earn a small commission through Amazon using this link. If you’d like to view the tea without my affiliation, try this link instead.
🎶 What I’m Listening To: A YouTube playlist I created called “Nature Speaks.” It’s a collection of nature sounds and gentle music to bring the wild into your space. 🌲It’s my gift to you, and I’ll update it over time. Not every track will resonate with everyone, but I hope you find something soothing within it. I've incorporated many different natural soundscapes and genres. For quick access, add the playlist to your library. While you’re there, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. I’ll share more content inspired by this newsletter, plus exclusive videos, over the coming months!
Until Next Time...
I'll see you soon, my friend. For now, be brave, be still, and be blessed. 🌿
Dina
If you enjoy The Whispering Wilds and feel moved to help, tips are always appreciated and keep this space thriving. ✨
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Please Note...
The Whispering Wilds method is not a replacement for medical and mental health care. Alternative health and wellness shines when it complements modern medicine, just as I believe modern medicine is at its best when accompanied by a holistic perspective. If you have a heart, lung, or circulatory condition, or suspect you do, or if you have a mental health disorder, or suspect you do, please ask your doctor or therapist before beginning any wellness practice.
Breathwork, meditation, journaling, movement, and other practices in The Whispering Wilds aren't suitable for everyone. The good news is that if your doctor or therapist advises you against a particular practice, the Whispering Wilds method will likely present alternatives to explore. Always ask your medical or mental health professionals first because we are all complex, unique individuals, and no true wellness approach is one-size-fits-all.