Concretize Stillness Before It Melts

The ice surrounding my area remained steady and unmovable for the last few weeks. Some of it would melt, then freeze, melt and freeze again. It was undisturbed by any preference of mine in wanting to run outside, walk my dog, drive to places, or simply, enjoy the fresh air for a moment.

While observing this defiant characteristic of ice, I observed my focus and attention and how I responded to the conditions. At one point I decided to not finish a run on the treadmill after receiving cues from my body, which were really triggered by thoughts, or not run outside because it's too cold and the unknown of the road conditions was simply not worth it. All of these justifications seemed so right, and they were exactly right at the time.

Because in meditative silence, I channeled the energy of the ice, and smiled at the realization that the external conditions I'm experiencing are nothing but a training ground for me to sharpen my skills. And that skill is enhanced stillness and awareness. Feeling the unmovable, solid, unwavering, unwilling to melt nature of ice at the right temperature reminded me that the power of the winter is also within me.

And I mirrored the ice; I amplified my focus to be solid, unwavering, unwilling to melt as I stepped one foot in front of the other. Because I know when the season changes, as it is now, I'm taking that power with me, no matter the conditions. I write in gratitude for receiving this gift, nurturing my energy by receiving the wisdom in the knowing that my experience is a direct reflection of my inner world.