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.
Panama, it is cool to discover that there's already a framework for something you feel is true. And it's ancient, no less! People have recognized the ever-changing seasons long before the Gregorian calendar became the norm.
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.
Thank you, Neil. Your poetic perspective on winter is really beautiful. Wintertime has a vigor and energy that’s nuanced and worthy of reverence. Your images and sijo poems dovetail so well with the idea of microseasons. Like your poetry, when I found an ancient way to inhabit the 72 tiny, poetic seasons, it gave me a framework that I’m never tired of exploring.
Thanks Ann and much appreciated. I love the idea you introduced of microseasons as well - gives me an entirely new perspective on how I approached the seasons and my time in Nature.
Brandy, thank you for your generous heart. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks for being here!
This is such a gift, Ann. Thank you. And please tell Killian I love his sweater.
Thank you, Kate. He hates putting it on, but loves the warmth of it once we get going!
Thank you, Maureen. I appreciate your heart.
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❤
Donna, I love it. You go for it, Intrepid One! Your loving heart is warmer than most. I know it’s going to keep you going this winter. ❤️❄️
Thanks Ann!
Thank you for an inspiring message! Love that you’re working on a book!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Virginia!
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!
And now I'll carry the joy of your words into my day! Thanks for being here. xo
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 !
Vanessa, thanks so much for your encouraging note! I’m so glad you’re here.
Ohhhhh me too Ann 😊🩷
Great way to think about winter joys!
Thanks Diane! I hope you’re having a wonderful day.
Thanks! Ready to walk!
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.
I share your craving for peace, Susannah. Wishing you a good rest in these cooler, darker days.
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.
Matt, thank you! That makes me very happy. Winter walks are so refreshing.😀
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!
Stella, thank you. I so appreciate your kindness and support. 😊
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!
Yes, there’s something about the cool air that my brain likes too, Jo. Brisk & Bracing!
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!
Panama, it is cool to discover that there's already a framework for something you feel is true. And it's ancient, no less! People have recognized the ever-changing seasons long before the Gregorian calendar became the norm.
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.
Thank you, Neil. Your poetic perspective on winter is really beautiful. Wintertime has a vigor and energy that’s nuanced and worthy of reverence. Your images and sijo poems dovetail so well with the idea of microseasons. Like your poetry, when I found an ancient way to inhabit the 72 tiny, poetic seasons, it gave me a framework that I’m never tired of exploring.
Thanks Ann and much appreciated. I love the idea you introduced of microseasons as well - gives me an entirely new perspective on how I approached the seasons and my time in Nature.
Wonderful--enjoy!
I will think of this essay while taking my chilly morning walks!
Elise, I love hearing this. I wonder what you might find in this day? Glad you found something here to carry along with you. xo
That labyrinth is magical! Lovely post, thank you! May you know peace.
Thank you , Brian. And you as well, peace today and always.