Seven Winter Meditations

By Jelane A. Kennedy

As Abbey our camper van sits snuggled in the garage hooked up to her battery tender winter winds blow. It can be a time of melancholy. Yet nature during winter can also carry many wonderful surprises. I created these meditations as simple notes to tuck in my pocket. A way to slow down and take some time to fully enjoy nature in all her seasons. It seems as though many people rush through winter with their eyes looking toward Spring. Yet winter can offer so many gifts if we take the time to dress warmly and get outside. For me the bright blue skies of winter and sun reflecting off the snow makes this time of year one of my favorites. Maybe it is that Scandinavian blood cursing through my veins. Enjoy these over a week or over seven weeks, whatever makes sense to you.

 

 

Winter fog on Crown Point Bridge, New York. By Jelane A. Kennedy

1.) Winter Fog – Warm rain, cold snow, mixed to make a veil. Limiting the light and our sight. Wrapping us in clouds of mist. Mystical and mysterious.

 

 

 

2.) Change of season, change of night light. Winter cold, slows us down. Layering of clothes, mediation in motion, mindful to keep warm.

 

 

 

Eileen all in winter layers while scouting Snowy Owl in Vermont. Photo by Jelane A. Kennedy

3.) Warm winter clothes, sunlight bright. White paths of snow all aglow. The silent reverie quietly calms the soul.

 

 

 

4.) Snow falling in bright sheets, bringing smiles to every child. Memories of simple winter fun. Nature all aglow, beckoning my childlike spirit within.

 

 

 

snow sand – Photo by Jelane A. Kennedy

5.) Snow drifted and blown by winter winds. Soft ruffles like sand on summer dunes. Snow crystals gently remind us of summer sun, and nature’s cycles.

 

 

 

6.) Bright sun, cold air, fast snow! Children’s shrieks of delight. Skimming along on sleds, moving fast, full of laughter and thrill, awaking my sleeping child within to the dance of spirits grace.

 

 

 

 

7.) Winter blizzard, fast falling snow quickly blankets the earth. Nestled near a warm fire. Allowing oneself to languish in time suspended.

 

Gull Pond, winter landscape. Photo by Jelane A. Kennedy

(c) 2014 Jelane A. Kennedy