Day 20, January 14

Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. - Paul Theroux

As a person who loves spring and summer, I sometime struggle in the winter. Slowing down and relaxing during the cold winter days and nights is a challenge for me. Yet, I realize this year, that it is a perfect opportunity to replenish myself, just like nature does. It is a perfect time of year to practice living mindfully. This morning I went for a walk in the cold. While I love to walk, it's not something I usually do in the cold. I found it so refreshing! The ice was just beginning to thaw so there wasn't much traffic. I observed a woodpecker, geese flying overhead, and truly enjoyed the serenity of the morning.

I read the article, "The Ways of Winter Mindfulness" in Psychology Today, which talked about the benefits of winter for our body. According to this article, we should use winter as a time to  "chill out,” to mindfully step back—if you will—and look closely, introspectively as well as outwardly, and objectively as well as subjectively, at where we have been, where we are at the moment, and where we want to be in the future.

My challenge for myself, and for my readers is this: 

Embrace the stillness of the cold dark winter. 

Rest, relax and renew!