Vibe-Winter-2425 - Flipbook - Page 13
Winter can also be a time to nurture yourself and lean
inward toward a more reserved and reflective state of
mind. Paying attention to some of the simpler, most basic
pleasures in life serves to remind us of the many things we
have to be grateful for, starting with a roof over our heads,
running water, and heat. As expected, when we find things to
appreciate, we will begin to see even more things to appreciate because what we focus on grows. Whether you call it
“The Law of Attraction” or use a more scientific terminology,
like the “frequency illusion,” it serves to explain the cognitive bias of why your brain selectively attends to the things
you pay the most attention to. This being the case, a mindfulness practice that intentionally leans you towards what
you want (versus what you don’t want) is both a meaningful
and productive way of taking responsibility for creating the
life you desire.
As the snowfall can get pretty deep in the Mt. Washington Valley, so can the analogy of winter described as the
season of challenges. Often equated to a time of life when
people are sad, grieving, ill, or lonely, it can be a time of unsettled uncertainty. Like harsh, unpredictable weather and
political and global turmoil, winter can represent a time of
extreme contrast, which can give us good reason to pause
and regroup while sheltering in place for a little while. It is
a time for resting and recovering our strength and perspective. As a normal and cyclical season in our human experience, its stillness can also show us many signs of hope. Like
the bright red cardinal that is more easily seen against the
stark white snow and bare branches, signs of hope and renewal are everywhere—if you are willing to look for them.
They serve as a beacon for our souls and remind us that
better days are, indeed, ahead. As Albert Camus writes, “In
the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”
Hunkering down at home can be a nourishing retreat for
mind, body, and spirit. Home is more than just a place; it’s
also a state of mind. It’s where you start and end your day, a
sanctuary where you can recharge and reflect. Aligned with
your personal and family values, it reflects your inner life as
well as your personality. Home allows you an abundance of
opportunities to create more joy in your surroundings and
open doors (literally and figuratively) to share a connection
with the people you love.
Whether you find yourself cuddling up by a cozy fireplace, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa, reading a flavorful
novel or watching a favorite movie, winter reminds us of
the simple pleasures that bring the longest-lasting sense of
happiness into your heart and home. A reminder to us all:
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and
realize they were the big things.” – a quote by Robert Brault.
Bernadette Donohue, REALTOR & Certified Residential
Specialist, CRS. Serving the real estate needs of NH and ME
since 1985. Contact Bernie at Badger Peabody & Smith Realty,
BernieD@BadgerPeabodySmith.com,
(603) 356-5757 x 700 or mobile (207) 542-9967
Winter 2024/25
Discover the history and art of the Mt. Washington
Valley and the White Mountains–the way that your
great-grandparents would have seen them.
A curated collection of over 80 fine oil paintings from
the White Mountain School of Art, from the 1800s.
2541 White Mountain Highway, No. Conway
Next to TD Bank • Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm
(603) 733-5561 • www.WhtMtn.art
Become
a CASA
Volunteer
Advocate
Give a child who
experienced
abuse or neglect
a voice in court.
Visit casanh.org
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