It’s snowing today. Little white flakes flow gently earthwards, joining together to form a soft, crisp mat on the ground. And it’s cold. Not so ridiculously cold that you struggle to breathe, just snow cold—somewhere around freezing—and still.

These are ideal conditions for mindfulness.

Most of us, when we find ourselves in these conditions, do whatever we can to get out of them. We run from point to point, head down, rugged up, and raring to get to our destination, where the warmth is our security blanket.

Try stopping instead. Give yourself the chance to notice. You’re not going to die of hypothermia if you give yourself a few moments to experience what is, even if you’re wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and forgot to put on shoes.

Listen: what is the sound of snow? You may hear it pattering down on your head. You may hear the odd bird squawking. You may hear a kind of silence that only snow can give you. Listen carefully: the snow absorbs sound.

Feel: what is the sensation of cold really like? Is it what you thought? Does it amplify your senses? Does it invigorate you? Notice. If your hands are in gloves or pockets, release them. Give your face the freedom to feel. It’s very sensitive, your face, and different parts are more sensitive than others: follow the sensations, take this in. It’s not every day you get this opportunity. And breathe. How does that breath feel coming in? And what about that out breath? Notice the contrast: this is a very special moment.

Taste: be a child, open that mouth and catch yourself some snowflakes. Nice, pure, tongue-tingling snow. There’s nothing quite like it.

Look: you’re in a snow globe! It doesn’t matter whether the snow stops now; or you get six more inches; or if it all melts this afternoon; or if the temperature drops and it all turns to ice: it will only look like this now. Turn all the way around, look up, look down: this is a unique moment in time; be here for it.

Let it snow—or not—and let this moment be one you thoroughly experience. There will be no other moment quite like it.

By Published On: January 17, 2016Categories: Mindful Musings

Leave A Comment

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay updated on the latest mindfulness news!