Winter's Beauty Part 1

Having lived in New England now over a number of years, I had grown not liking the cold, long, seemingly harsh winters. But recently, I have had a change of heart.


Someone really close to me despises winter...he doesn't like snow, ice, the shortening of days, although interestingly enough, he doesn't mind weather being "cold". Possibly, it's just the time of year for him, as many sad things happened to him during this time in his past, yet some very beautiful events occurred as well. Winter in New England is an environment of extremities... bitter cold, dangerous, icy conditions and lots of snow challenging some of us to keep on keeping our living environments comfortably livable.

Sometimes extreme conditions serve a purpose in order for us to pay attention to some needed work within ourselves. Winter is about letting go. Death to a life as we knew it! Cycles...from birth to death, making room for more life....Nature teaches us this. Look around in your inner world and learn from the example that is the core of being in all of us.

Use the darkness of this season. Be alone. Look deeply within yourself....and listen hard. Let die what needs to die to make room for your new self and new beginnings. You've clutched the Linus Blanket long enough. I know it's scary to let go what feels comfortable, but please don't be afraid. You will survive. We all do.

Remember during this time to sincerely seek out your spirit-self and ask for help. This is key, because in the moment of your Winter, the human-self is more vulnerable and influential to its outside harsh environment, therefore, allowing judgements, negativity, and god-knows-what-else to be in focus or forefront of your thinking. The spirit-self is waiting right beside you, anticipating and wanting to jump for joy the minute you turn in its direction.

Pay attention and hold onto those surprising, all-knowing little inspirational thoughts that flicker in that fleeting moment when, for some reason, you took a break from your heavy thinking and woeful concerns. That "fresh breeze" out of nowhere is your spirit-self breaking through and speaking to you. Hold onto it and don't let go! Spring may be just around the corner for you.