One thing about winter in the northeast is that things generally feel very dry. Our wood stove dries out the air inside the house. Outside, the harsh winds from the north wilt and wither everything. But as spring approaches, the world turns to a luscious muddiness. The grass is soft and springy. Our boots sink into great puddles in our driveway. We’re vibrantly reminded of our earth’s fleshy, spongy, sweet, wetness. The word succulent originates from Latin’s succus, which means juice or sap, and possibly also from Old English socian, which means to soak. Succulent plants store their juicy water in their leaves, stems, and roots to tide them over during those dry times. As we winter, or age, or when we feel gloomy, or simply because we’re fleshy human beings, it’s vital that we cherish the succulent aspect of being alive. Feel the deliciousness of moisture, warmth, and green lushness. Drink plenty of water. Moisturize your skin. Drench yourself in rain. Soak in your succulence. Soak in your stillness.
