I appreciate this nudge about working with the cold. Reminding myself I can be warm from the inside is helpful. I struggle with the cold (and I live in Canada!). It got to the point where it was impacting my well-being and I knew something had to change so I intentionally worked on it most days by stepping into cold water (life changing) and going outside much more. It was a successful initiative, however I've slipped back into my comfort zone of wanting to be warm all the time and not seeking the cold. I will take your words deeply to heart and allow them to pull me forward to greater well-being and cold tolerance. Thank you Ann.
Good job on your new project, I look forward to hearing more about it!
Those frozen angel wings are exquisite! And Killian is adorable (and extremely natty).
So happy for you that you have a new project in view, Ann, or a new way of engaging with your ongoing project. Wishing you the joy of all the warmth you carry inside you!
What a much needed and beautiful reminder of our wonderful and frustrating human ness - embrace what we have and feeling gratitude are the keys to loving kindness , compassion and care. Thank you for your words and for the mind shift bonus !
I love what you wrote about focusing on the inner warmth and I was thinking about that as I walked home tonight. I find the crisp cool air and clear winter skies here somehow revitalizing. I think what I'm craving is peace and rest.
So wonderful to wake up this morning with your message, Ann. The gift of appreciating the present moment and the mindset of going beyond what is with transcending thoughts rings true to me. Your words are always a gift. Thank you! ps. I also look forward to seeing how your project progresses. Looks exciting!
This rings so true with me. The retirement community where I live comprises over twenty buildings connected by climate controlled walkways. It is tempting, on cold days, to travel completely inside. If I put on my coat and head to the door, there are always comments about my going out in the cold. But a short walk between buildings in the fresh air just puts me in a better place.
A little bummed for us digital addicts, but it's great to see that you are taking this project into the physical realm. Looking forward to any glimpses that you might share of your new book project!
I like your point about dividing winter into 12 short microseasons - sort of a mini-year. Years ago, I loathed winter. Nowadays, I love it here in Ottawa Canada.
For me, it's a time to hike or snowshow to areas in Nature that I could not normally see in the warmer seasons. Winter clarifies my focus on wildlife as there are fewer varieties of species. I become much more appreciative of species like Red Foxes, Gray Squirrels, Northern Cardinals, and Black-capped Chickadees.
Great point as well about there being great truth and beauty in impermanence. Nature, for me, is a constant reminder of that truth.
This is such a gift, Ann. Thank you. And please tell Killian I love his sweater.
I appreciate this nudge about working with the cold. Reminding myself I can be warm from the inside is helpful. I struggle with the cold (and I live in Canada!). It got to the point where it was impacting my well-being and I knew something had to change so I intentionally worked on it most days by stepping into cold water (life changing) and going outside much more. It was a successful initiative, however I've slipped back into my comfort zone of wanting to be warm all the time and not seeking the cold. I will take your words deeply to heart and allow them to pull me forward to greater well-being and cold tolerance. Thank you Ann.
Good job on your new project, I look forward to hearing more about it!
Oh, and Killian is totally rocking his sweater❤
Thank you for an inspiring message! Love that you’re working on a book!
Those frozen angel wings are exquisite! And Killian is adorable (and extremely natty).
So happy for you that you have a new project in view, Ann, or a new way of engaging with your ongoing project. Wishing you the joy of all the warmth you carry inside you!
What a much needed and beautiful reminder of our wonderful and frustrating human ness - embrace what we have and feeling gratitude are the keys to loving kindness , compassion and care. Thank you for your words and for the mind shift bonus !
Great way to think about winter joys!
I love what you wrote about focusing on the inner warmth and I was thinking about that as I walked home tonight. I find the crisp cool air and clear winter skies here somehow revitalizing. I think what I'm craving is peace and rest.
Time to head out for a walk in the cold. Lovely piece, Ann — and I love how you're digging into the analog this season.
So wonderful to wake up this morning with your message, Ann. The gift of appreciating the present moment and the mindset of going beyond what is with transcending thoughts rings true to me. Your words are always a gift. Thank you! ps. I also look forward to seeing how your project progresses. Looks exciting!
Words of Hope, grateful, enough, appreciation, so many more...Beautiful nature and post.
Thank you! Enlightening way to start the day!
This rings so true with me. The retirement community where I live comprises over twenty buildings connected by climate controlled walkways. It is tempting, on cold days, to travel completely inside. If I put on my coat and head to the door, there are always comments about my going out in the cold. But a short walk between buildings in the fresh air just puts me in a better place.
And pat Killian for me!
So weird, I was just thinking about this yesterday and thought I came up with the idea of "microseasons".
I thought that there were only 4 seasons for so long but recently see how there are seasons within seasons! Very cool!
A little bummed for us digital addicts, but it's great to see that you are taking this project into the physical realm. Looking forward to any glimpses that you might share of your new book project!
I like your point about dividing winter into 12 short microseasons - sort of a mini-year. Years ago, I loathed winter. Nowadays, I love it here in Ottawa Canada.
For me, it's a time to hike or snowshow to areas in Nature that I could not normally see in the warmer seasons. Winter clarifies my focus on wildlife as there are fewer varieties of species. I become much more appreciative of species like Red Foxes, Gray Squirrels, Northern Cardinals, and Black-capped Chickadees.
Great point as well about there being great truth and beauty in impermanence. Nature, for me, is a constant reminder of that truth.
I will think of this essay while taking my chilly morning walks!
That labyrinth is magical! Lovely post, thank you! May you know peace.