Cold

Today was very cold in my city. It was 25 degrees Fahrenheit with a howling northwest wind. I walked, as I try to do daily. Walking out from my house was easy. The wind was at my back. The day seemed bright, dry and sunny. The light hinted at Spring. The way back was different. The cold blew into my face, which hardened into a frozen grimace. I bent forward. My pace quickened. I wanted to be inside, but I tried to concentrate on my surroundings. This made it all more bearable. One walk in two different days. Life's challenges come on like the cold wind when you turn a corner. Maintaining focus and striving for the happiness which comes from knowing my place in the Universe are parts of my practice which help me forge through the cold winds of change.