Copyright © 2020 Lee Spirit

Canadian winter is upon us with the city and mountains now covered in deep snow! With the changing of the season, it’s often difficult to keep a mindful nature because most of us don’t like to embrace change. But there are ways we can cultivate mindfulness during what seems like unfavourable conditions.

The first is to realize that conditions are not actually as unfavourable as they seem! If we shift our perspective into positivity, we can learn to embrace whatever lies before us. Instead of seeing the snow as cold, bleak, and uninviting, we can find reasons to love the snow.

This might include activities you love or can learn, such as skating, skiing, or snowshoeing. It may be something you eat or drink, like hot chocolate, tea, or red wine. You may also love curling up on the couch with a great book under a blanket, or cuddling with a loved one in front of the fire.

Right now we’re having a snowstorm, but I know that by Sunday, the sun will be out, and the snow will be white and glistening. It will be perfect weather for a cross-country ski in the mountains. Even with sub-zero temperatures, you’ll find that going out in the cold is actually very refreshing and worthwhile! You just need the right clothes! Notice the photo I included with this post! How beautiful is that!? I almost had the whole Emerald Lake to myself, skiing in all my glory!

Not everyone is up for the challenge, I know…But to keep a mindful nature, you don’t have to go to the mountains, although I highly recommend it! You can use your imagination and visualization, and take yourself anywhere that brings you peace within. You may envision a tree with deep roots in the earth, grounding you and supporting you. Or maybe it’s a hot, sandy beach. Remember to use your imagination and creativity because when things get rough, you can always take yourself there, to your own personal spot in the woods, by the ocean, or on a mountain-top.

Visualization is a perfect place to start. Then you can focus on your breathing while you’re in that special place. To have a mindful nature, observe your breath. Notice how it flows in and out. Is it fast, or deep? Short, or shallow? By becoming aware of the breath, you can start to calm your breath. Once your breath is calm, you can start to use your breath to calm your body as well!

Having a mindful nature also means allowing yourself to experience each present moment, or as Eckhart Tolle says, “The power of now!” With each shift in perspective, each visualization, each step outside into nature, each breath, and with the awareness of all that is before you through all your senses, you can be mindful nature nut, like me!

Don’t forget to practice these concepts as well as reading them. It took me years to learn that by reading the inspirational words of others, I was a spiritual seeker, and sponge, rather than a spiritual being. There’s a difference between learning something, and being what you learn. It takes practice to get from one to the other! So get out there and practice these lessons, and be and vibrate the language of one who has a mindful nature!

For more information on the personal “vibrations” we emit, check out The Vibrations We Emit Are Like Waves In The Sand.

Lee Spirit is an avid outdoors adventurer with a love for nature, photography, health & fitness, wellness, and spirituality. Her own personal journey has led her to the  study and practice of mindfulness, health, wellness, yoga, spirituality, sound healing, meditation, and personal development for over 20 years. Learn more about Mindfulness here!