For those who live in snow country, the sight of the first few flakes is often eagerly anticipated. There is appreciation of sheer beauty in watching the sparkling, crystal particles falling through the air.
Why is it, then, by the second snowfall, many are already wishing for spring to arrive? Each change in climate provides a rhythm and if we attune to this rhythm, we can experience a fullness of life. There is beauty in spring, summer, autumn and winter, no matter how long each season lasts.
Winter brings the refreshing blanket of sparkling beauty for those who take a few moments to see it. Watch children squealing as they play in the snow, skaters on an icy pond. Look forward with gratitude to the holidays, even with all of their frenzy, for the meaning they hold. It may take a bit of extra effort to find this goodness but, be assured, it is there.
If one braves the cold, bundles up a bit, the thrill of making a snowman or playing fox and geese or having a good snowball fight with grandchildren can be an interlude of healthy togetherness with family. It provides good memories, too, for everyone involved. Even watching from inside one's cozy home can offer a gift of surprise! Old and young alike can enjoy watching the cardinal couples in their bright red or gold coats, the little black-capped chickadees, blue jays and other birds as they nibble from a bird feeder, maybe with a squirrel coming in to take a share.
Winter can be biting and seemingly cruel but the blanket of snow also gives the earth the necessary restoration so it can produce the new life that spring offers. It is obvious that snow offers moisture for the earth, just as drinking water provides it as a necessity for humanity. The regions of the country that expect snow will be hurting next summer if it is minimal through the winter. The freezing temperatures are also necessary to give Mother Nature its slumber. Shorter days and longer evenings encourage snuggling in and keeping warm indoors, which can provide time for introspection, for contemplation. It is the season of rest.
Spring can seem muddy and slushy, if that is what one expects. It does bring the shoots of new life sprouting from the earth, from foliage, and from new baby animals and birds. Taking a short walk to observe all that is new provides a refreshing outlook of how nature replenishes itself after the long, cold winter days. One can even experience this new growth early in the season with seeds planted as starters in a warm area indoors.
Spring offers expression through blossoms and new thoughts. It is the time to begin reaching out and flourishing with radiance. It is the season to make new friends.
Summer brings warmer temperatures; a reason for getting one's hands dirty. Planting and weeding may take some effort but oh, what vibrant and delicious results the endeavor provides! When the sun is in its prime, it provides warmth for enjoying picnics, for watching grandchildren frolic in the pool or helping them make mud pies, for taking leisurely walks, for visiting with neighbors.
Summer is a time for ice cream and strawberries, for travel, for stargazing. It is a time of outward creativity, of bearing fruit.
Autumn can be glorious as one watches the colors of foliage changing to rich gold, copper and red. Taking walks through the crunching leaves, listening for and watching geese flying to their winter destination, watching for the first eagles to arrive. Squirrels scavenge for nuts and acorns to harvest in preparation for the months ahead.
Autumn is a delightful duration of preparation and for celebration of what nature contributes for the survival of mankind. It is a time for slowing down and for gathering together with friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
Most everyone enjoys celebrations. You can celebrate any time of year, whether alone or with others. With others, it might be a pot-luck dinner, celebrating the food of the season. For self, it might be done as an early morning or late evening walk, when all is quiet -- singing or humming a song appropriate to the season. It might be an inner celebration by taking quiet time with just candlelight. There are many ways and reasons for celebration. Anyone can create activities that will give special meaning for welcoming and offering gratitude to each season.
It is easy to take for granted what each interlude provides. Yet, there is much to be appreciated that can provide a special joy. The more variety there is in seasonal change, depending on various parts of the country, the more intense the renewal of nature becomes. Greens are greener in north country. The desert's beauty is in earth tones.
This is also true with people. If people expose themselves to a wider, more intense variety of experiences, the more colorful life can be. It is good to find contentment in the moment and offer gratitude for whatever each season holds.
Yes, gazing out the dining room window, sipping my morning cup of coffee, I observe the bare branches of the honey locust tree across the street in contrast to the full green branches of the pine tree next to it. It is a cloudy, windy and cold morning. I am waiting for the first snowfall.
Meet Dusty