Winter Walk

Spending time outside every day rain, shine, or snow

Snow creates that quality of awe in the face of a power greater than ours. It epitomises the aesthetic notion of the sublime, in which greatness and beauty couple to overcome you — a small, frail human — entirely. ― Katherine May

I recently read about a challenge from Ray Wirth to spend one hour outside a day for a year. He has shared many of his great outdoor adventures — padding, fat-tire bikes, and more. He doesn’t live in California where it is always sunny. His adventures are for all seasons.

I have to admit, the colder the weather got this year, the less I went outside. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so I have enjoyed a lot of cold weather in my life, but I was avoiding it this year.

Although it is still winter where I live, the temperatures jumped up to sixty degrees. I welcomed the warm weather. I was inspired and committed to getting outside each day. I was ready for Ray’s challenge.

Then, Kris Bedenian shared a winter wonderland story. I felt like I had missed my opportunity, experiencing only a little snow this year. I thought I would have to wait another year to really get out and enjoy it. To my surprise, snow fell again. I headed outside immediately.

Now, imagine the snow falling softly on your head and crunching under your feet, stroll/scroll with me. Pause where you are inspired to do so and feel the scene. Notice the snowy details. Breathe the fresh crisp air. Imagine the silence.

Which scene made you long for more snowy adventures?

When I came in from the snow, I wasn’t cold, I was invigorated and thankful for this opportunity. I had a nice hot cup of soup and scrolled through my photos.

I thought about the days I spent playing in the snow as a child. My mom always had a warm cup of hot chocolate ready for us. It never failed, some of it always splish splashed over the edge of the mug to make way for the marshmallows, like a little extension of the snowball fights we had outside.

The fun we have in the snow as adults may be different than that of childhood, but finding awe in our environment can be like taking a plunge into the fountain of youth for our soul. Notice and note the beauty of nature, especially the conditions that offer a new perspective and fully awaken our senses.

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone finds awe in all types of weather.

There was also an awe-filled bird encounter on this snowy day. Check it out:

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