Wintering: A Guide for Musicians Navigating Creative Seasons

The concept of wintering—that quiet, sometimes difficult, but ultimately necessary season of rest and reflection—isn’t just for nature. It’s something that musicians, and anyone in a creative field, can relate to on a deep level. In her book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, Katherine May explores how the cold, dormant months of winter can teach us valuable lessons about embracing the quieter parts of life. It’s a time for retreat, renewal, and ultimately growth, even when it feels like everything around us is slowing down.

So, what does wintering look like for musicians? Let’s break it down.

1. Embrace the "Down Time"

As a musician, you are likely very familiar with how creativity ebbs and flows. Sometimes, you’re efforstlessly in the zone, practicing for hours. Other times, it feels like the well has run dry and even getting through a single practice session feels almost impossible. You hit a block, or maybe you just lose the desire to pick up your instrument. Wintering is about acknowledging these slow periods without guilt or frustration. It's a reminder that rest is just as vital as productivity. Just like a tree sheds its leaves and takes a break during winter, musicians need time to pause, reflect, and let their creativity regenerate.

Instead of fighting the downtime, embrace it. Step away from the pressure to constantly create. Maybe use this time to listen to new music, read, or explore different art forms that inspire you. The act of being still often gives way to new ideas, and some of your best work can come from moments of quiet reflection.

2. Trust the Process of Renewal

When winter seems like it’s dragging on and you’re stuck in a creative slump, it can feel like nothing will ever bloom again. But as Katherine May points out, winter is not permanent. It’s a season. In her words, “wintering is not a time to be fixed or to push through, but to surrender.” For musicians, this means trusting that your creative energy will return in time, even if you’re not sure when.

The trick is to let yourself be in the “dark” phase without panicking. This could mean putting down your instrument for a while or stopping work on a song that isn’t flowing. When you accept that your creativity can’t always be forced, you open the door to a natural process of renewal. The ideas that felt elusive will resurface when the time is right.

3. Lean Into the Community of Fellow Creatives

Wintering can feel isolating—whether it’s the literal winter, with its shorter days and cold weather, or the figurative winter of your creative life. But one of the most beautiful aspects of this season is the sense of solidarity it can bring. 

In the book, Katherine May describes how even in the depths of winter, there’s a shared human experience of struggling, resting, and waiting for the return of light. Musicians aren’t alone in this. 

Everyone goes through cycles of productivity and dormancy, and that shared experience can help reduce the loneliness that often comes with creative slumps.

Reach out to fellow musicians or other artists during these times. Talk about the challenges you're facing and share your doubts. You’ll be surprised how much just knowing that others are going through the same thing can help. It’s easy to think that every other musician is constantly on top of their game, but the truth is, we all go through periods where the work slows down, and sometimes just talking about it can spark a new perspective.

4. Create for the Sake of Creating

Wintering is also about reconnecting with the why behind what you do. In a world obsessed with production, streams, likes, and album releases, it’s easy to lose touch with the joy of simply creating. During times of quiet, think back to when you first picked up your instrument or started writing songs. Was it because you felt compelled to express something? Was it because you couldn’t imagine life without music in it?

Don’t let the external pressures of the music industry or social media cloud that feeling. Allow yourself to create just because it feels good. You might not write the next big hit during your wintering period, but you could rediscover the joy of creating for the sake of creation, and that can be the spark you need to reawaken your passion.

5. Reflect on What Needs to Be Left Behind

Winter isn’t just about resting and waiting for the future; it’s also about shedding what no longer serves you. For musicians, this might mean letting go of certain habits, collaborators, or expectations. Just like trees lose their leaves to prepare for a new season, it’s important to reflect on what aspects of your creative life need to be pruned.

Are there things that have become distractions? Have you been holding onto old material that’s not resonating with you anymore? Are there toxic relationships or unhealthy work habits that need to be addressed? Wintering gives you the space to reflect on these things and, if necessary, make the changes that will set you up for a better spring.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

Sometimes, when you’re wintering creatively, the “big wins” seem out of reach. But remember, just like a slow, steady snowfall, small progress can accumulate into something beautiful over time. Maybe you’ve just spent a few hours collaborating with a friend, or you’ve written a single verse for a song you’re working on. That’s progress, and it counts. Wintering isn’t about instant results—it’s about taking small, consistent steps toward whatever the next season holds.

In Conclusion

Wintering isn’t something to be feared. It’s not a “creative drought,” but rather a necessary part of the creative cycle. Whether you’re in the middle of a major creative breakthrough or you feel like your inspiration has gone on vacation, it’s all part of the process. Embrace the quiet times, give yourself permission to rest, and trust that your creativity will come back to life when the time is right.

As musicians, we don’t always have control over when or how our creativity blooms, but we do have control over how we navigate the quiet seasons. So, take a deep breath, let yourself rest, and know that this wintering period is helping you prepare for the next big burst of creativity. 🌱