It’s been a while since I have sat down to type my meditation musings. Winter has felt rather long and arduous. Between January and March, a few anniversaries for me are important to acknowledge. However, they involve thinking about loved ones who are no longer here.
This time I chose to lean in, to breathe through it, to walk through the claylike mud that often feels internal as much as it is in the fields nearby. To be courageous, brave, and welcome in the uncomfortable.
With my meditation practice, I focused on gratitude as a concept and spent most mornings writing down three things I am grateful for, the list changing daily depending on what was happening for me, in my household, and in the great outdoors. I began to notice lots of variety on my list – nature is a great one for showing up when you most need it. I began to see the snowdrops emerge and the birdsong start up – these small things began to make my heart sing.
As the weather outside changes, so do we – the wind we feel on our cheeks subsides, and the rain we feel on our heads eventually stops. The sun starts to shine, and the days and evenings begin to draw out.
I finally feel ready to welcome in the Spring, whether the weather is wet and windy or calm and sunny, all of it feels OK. I remind myself, as we do at the beginning of any meditation, to take a moment to settle, to ground myself in the moment, to notice the breath, and to be grateful for what and who I have in my life.