intention

having been born and raised in florida, my favorite season of course is summer.  the hotter, the better.  i function like an alligator happily sunning myself where i can receive the most direct rays in a nice quiet spot along the river.  but after living here for more than 20 years now, i like to make an effort to live in harmony with the seasons.  i feel like a ball of ice from about november through april, but there are many qualities of winter that are of benefit.  i've come to appreciate the quiet, the slowing down, and the simplicity of winter.  keeping warm by a fire, burning a candle, reading, watching a movie, reassessing priorities for the coming year, really digging in to the quiet and calm, and gazing outside to the sometimes snow-covered land.  all is dormant, inactive, tranquil.  it gives us a chance to reflect, take time, slow down, make amends, educate ourselves on something new.    i read and read and read books about homes and gardens and the people in them.  i read about harmony and living in the natural world according to our biological rhythms.  i have time to connect with the breath, meditate, wake with the sun, eat what originates from the earth, and try to appreciate all that winter has to offer.  because, of course, the seasons are ephemeral.  our experience in these months is not to last forever.  change will come.  all that is dormant will emerge with new life and new hope and a propensity toward goodness come spring.  what is now white and brown will turn green and colorful and alive with new possibilities, new challenges, new experiences.  but for now, the quiet.  enjoy.  here's to you having a silent moment to stop and reflect on all there is and all there is to be.