Light

The solstice approaches in the Northern Hemisphere. Light slants and throws long shadows in the middle of the day. The clarity of this light is noticeably sharper than the light of Summer. This light is blue and cool. It is not the light of evolving life. It is the light of pause and reflection. With this light comes the cold. The cold wind chastens. It disciplines the haughty and self-indulgent. It makes the strongest shoulders contract to conserve body heat. I am learning to walk in this cold. I am learning to stand erect in it, to breath its harsh bite with deep and measured breaths. I am learning to open my eyes wide in this cold, to survey its magnificent lessons about Nature and Life. Facing Winter is facing Death. It is part of my practice.