*While walking in Central Park I was struck for the first time in my life by the beauty and blessing in the lack of color that the winter months bring to the world. The winter allows us a break from the intense sensory stimulation of the other months in a lot of ways and gives us the opportunity and reminds us to move away from our distractions and re-focus our minds, hearts and souls.
The sky and ground are white and the trees are brown and bare
Stillness and simplicity mark the world of winter
"Stop," it says
The distractions are gone, it's time pay attention
There are no luscious, green swaying trees or magnificent, brightly hued flowers to marvel at
There are no dogs barking on the street or the squeals of children playing in the bright sun
There is just you
Your steamy breath
Your careful steps
Your silent thoughts
Walk carefully over the white powder so you don't slip
And make sure to breathe the fresh air as you walk out the door
It's time to get back to the basics of breathing and walking
To find peace and stillness within as there is peace and stillness without
To once again become centered within yourself
So you can grow from within instead of reacting from without
Use the silence to reconnect
Just breathe and walk back to your basics
