Tag Archives: pause

Listening to the snow

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snow sunsetSnowy days remind me of some special moments I started to indulge in when I was around 8 years old. One includes my dad’s wonderful big, thick shearling coat. The coat was so big that I could sit on the tail while the collar covered and extended beyond my head. I have no idea if anyone knew I did this, but I would go sit in the woods on a snowy day, wrapped in my dad’s toasty warm coat, and listen to the snow fall. This was such a magical time for me. Every thought vanished except the present. I would pick one snowflake and watch it fall all the way to the earth, or simply listen. Occasionally, I would take my dog Candy with me. She may have thought I was crazy but humored me nonetheless as she would sit inside the coat with me while I listened to the snow fall.

debbie snow fallingThe coat maybe long gone, but on snowy days I still go outside, pause, and listen to the snow fall. It is amazing how every cell in my body simply relaxes and enjoys the moment I am in.

May you find moments to simply relax and enjoy the present.snow falling

Giving pause

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The other day while I was doing some yard work, I gave pause to a humming sound. I looked around and the bees were doing their job, collecting nectar while pollinating the flowers. The butterflies and various other flying insects where helping with this task as well. I became entranced. I felt my muscles relax. I really paused. It was a glorious couple of moments.

It made me think about how easy it is to get caught up in life but not experience any of it. Out of nowhere, our lives become a series of chores and tasks to get done. Yet throughout my life, I have been fortunate that moments remind me that I must “stop and smell the roses.” After all, isn’t that what life is all about? I find that when I am present for the journey of my life, it flows and it is wonderful. Unfortunately, I must remind myself to pause from time to time.

Observing nature tends to assist me in being present. Some things I enjoy observing are:

  • Listening and watching ocean waves, waterfalls, rivers or streams flow
  • Listening to the sound of the wind blowing through leaves
  • Red-tail Hawks finding thermals and soaring in spirals
  • Snorkeling with tropical fish
  • Skydiving, I enjoy the floating part much more than the free falling part as it is much too noisy but definitely brings me into the moment.
  • Monarch butterflies coming out of their chrysalis
  • Dragonflies shedding their aquatic exoskeleton
  • Laying down and looking up at the sky watching the trees sway and clouds move
  • Gazing at the stars
  • Watching Mathew navigate his surroundings
  • Insects pollinating flowers
  • Hummingbirds pollinating flowers – hey I just love watching pollination

What brings you into the present? Please share and I will continue to share.