Embracing the Inner Warmth

“In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger, something better, pushing right back.” -Albert Camus

As I settle into my new little miner’s cottage, nestled just a stone’s throw away from the very first home I owned when I arrived in Brisbane three decades ago, I can’t help but feel a sense of profound gratitude. What a delightful treat it is to reconnect with my roots and embrace the warmth of nostalgia. 

While my health has taken a toll, I find solace in the realisation of my heightened sensitivity to the cool embrace of winter. Drawing inspiration from nature’s cues, I grant myself permission to slow down, do less, and bask in the warmth of my cozy new abode, the inner warmth of my being, and the embrace of those around me.

It’s easy to overlook the blessings that exist in this very moment, and so I offer my heartfelt thanks for these small yet significant gifts, which include each and every one of you.

Winter, a season of survival and endurance in the natural world, can prove challenging, marked by piercing cold and diminished sunlight. But much like the seedlings nestled beneath the snow, patiently gathering strength for their eventual emergence in spring, we too can utilise this season to delve deep beneath the surface of our bustling lives. We can embrace the stillness, silence, and enigmatic beauty that life holds.

By turning inward, we discover the immense wholeness that already resides within us.

As we pause and release the need to become someone else or reach some distant destination, we honour our true selves and find contentment and completeness in simply being where we are, as we are. Truly, what a delightful treat!

Amidst the strain and weariness brought on by the uncertainties of life, I am learning to listen to the rhythm of nature and carve out time for restoration. Instead of fretting over the future or lamenting the past, I am actively practicing the art of slowing down and embracing the present moment – physically, emotionally, and mentally. This, I’ve come to realise, requires effort, especially when we have become disconnected from our inner selves.

In the same way that the roots of trees anchor them to the earth and seeds in the soil harbour the promise of growth, I choose to soak in the richness of all that lies within me. I marvel at the infinite possibilities that reside in each passing moment.

This season invites us to turn inward, reflect on our passions, dreams, and desires. I have discovered that when we embrace stillness, we reconnect with our true essence, tap into our inner strengths, and unlock the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. And so, during these quieter winter months, I rest, replenish, and realign.

Today, I express heartfelt gratitude for this precious time of pause, for the serenity of stillness, for the opportunity to reconnect with the warmth of my being, and for life’s gentle embrace that carries me forward. What can you offer gratitude for? I’d love to know. Leave your comments below, and I’ll be sure to read and respond.

Dear friends, stay warm and enveloped in love.

With heartfelt affection,