Winter Sunday

Rustic Vista. Wisconsin. Cold Pastels.

As cold drafts of air push against windows and doors trembling the structure of the house, a fire blazes. The wind whips the treetops in a frenzied dance against a pale skyline. Rain and snow battle for supremacy. The pelting shards of ice turn to snow, a miraculous change to witness, and the already heavy forest bears it. Some elements of the woodland will break, and some will flex and rebound after the melt.

Within is warmth. Gratitude. Respite against the savage elements after a snowshoe, hike, skiing or any manner of outdoor snow sport. With the convenience of a grocery pick up done and errands run, chores completed for the most part on a Saturday with nothing left on this frigid Sunday afternoon but to create a nourishing, flavorful meal and enjoy the peace before the hurried pace of the upcoming week curls its claws into the soul. Creative endeavors and extra rest hold sway on this day, a welcome embrace into a break away from reality.

Books, puzzles, music, and other quiet activities to immerse oneself in abound. Perhaps, there are deeply buried projects to purge and catch up on that will offer a satisfied sense of accomplishment and clutter better left behind, organized down to the most minimal and efficient reference. Maybe there is the fellowship born of family and friends gathering to break bread, honoring the old traditions of extended family meals once a week on Sunday. Or it is a day to enjoy all that and then gather yourself in the calm of the late afternoon or evening before the onset of work or a busy schedule.

There are things that are important in life. Priorities. While one may have a love for life banking around home and hearth, another may be the adrenaline rush of extreme travel to lands yet undiscovered. To some it may be the simplicity of nature and to others the constantly shifting urban landscape of a major metropolitan area. We must feed the soul whichever food nourishes and expands its light. There will be good health on every level with balance.

So, this Sunday - or any day, really - take a mindful moment and breathe deeply. Look around you and see. Really see. What is it that nourishes your soul, body and mind when you slow down and have nothing else to do, save enjoy the peace and silence of your own thoughts and company on a cozy winter day.