Embracing the Silence of Winter

This is the image of blue sky and a snowy scenery with footprints in the snow and snow covered trees

© Bas Meelker/shutterstock.com

 

Just in case we have been taking ourselves too seriously by getting lost in our daily frenetic pace, Mother Nature has stepped in to provide us with the perfect antidote for an overactive schedule – Winter!

 

Over the past few months, most of our country has experienced some of the largest snowfalls, as well as the lowest temperatures, in recorded weather history. As if the forces of snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures were not sufficient to slow us down, there were also record breaking numbers of power outages throughout the country. Many people were literally in the dark for up to five days. Impassable roads, temporary business shutdowns, and school closings have compelled us to hunker down in the warmth and shelter of our homes.

 

We are so accustomed to being over stimulated, that it may be difficult to identify this as being the perfect time to change our perspective and to see the winter as a gift.

 

While all of these extreme weather conditions have caused enormous inconveniences, they have also provided us with an unusual sense of silence. The soft, white cover of snow provides a quiet backdrop for reflection, rather like a blank canvas inviting us to become more introspective and creative. We can also use this time to become aware of the beautiful synchronicity within the rhythm of nature. Winter is a time when everything dies off or goes within itself to grow and be renewed until spring is here again. It is a time when many animals hibernate and plants shut down to store their energies until the warmth of spring arrives.

 

Below are seven insights that may change your perspective to see the wintertime as a blessing:

 

1. Go Within – Just as we have a tendency to stay indoors in the winter, it is a perfect time to go within ourselves to clear our minds and nurture our souls. This can be done through meditation, by reading a good book, or watching a favorite movie. The important point is that we get quiet time to relax. What you are actually doing is planting seeds for the longer and brighter days of tomorrow.

 

2. Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down – This time of year offers us the space and time to slow down. We often find ourselves craving a comfortable couch and a roaring fire. It makes us feel warm, happy, and sleepy. Also, there is nothing like staying in bed a little longer, snuggled up under the covers, enjoying the warmth.

 

3. Appreciate the Silence – The winter offers clarity within the silence. It is truly amazing to step outside after it snows and notice how crisp the air is and how quiet your surroundings are. The snow is a blanket that softens everything around you and creates a pause that allows you to appreciate the rarity of silence.

 

4. Spark Your Creativity – The void of darkness sometimes gives us the room we need to allow our creative mind to come alive. Have fun! This is the time to start an arts and crafts project or simply cook a meal that is out of the ordinary.

 

5. Savor the Simple Things – This quiet time offers you the opportunity to notice the small wonders of life such as hot soup, the texture of sheets, the warmth of a good fire, or how much fun it is to make a snow angel – even if you are an adult!

 

6. Spend More Time With Family and Friends – This is a wonderful time to do things you may not otherwise have had time to do, such as: baking cookies with the kids and grandkids, catching up on phone time with loved ones, playing games, and getting together for coffee, tea, or lunch with friends.

 

7. Embrace the Beauty of Nature – Indulge your senses by enjoying a brisk walk in the cold. Allow your eyes to feast on the beauty of the glistening snow, smell the clarity of the air, and listen to the silence.

 

Enjoy what is around you right now! You don’t need to “get away” literally. Most of us need to “get away” from our daily lives and our frenetic pace. You can do this anywhere, including right where you are.

 

Love and Light

 

Sandra

 

 

A portion of this message is an excerpt from the book, The Power of Oneness, Live the Life You Choose. To learn more about how you can align your life with spiritual truth, order the book at http://www.thepowerofoneness.com/products/
The e-book version, regularly priced at $9.99 is presently being offered for only $1.99.