Snow

Greetings, dear Friend, from a winter wonderland! Boston, Massachusetts got walloped with the biggest snow storm we've had in over four years and the 8th biggest in recorded history. These last few years have been so "easy" and it lulled me (and others, I'm sure) into forgetting just how challenging it can be when the white stuff piles up.

Sure, I lived through "Snowmageddon" when the city got over 100" the winter of 2014-15. Actually, I went and hid out in NY for some of that time, but I remember coming back for a few days and the only place to park was in a hospital garage a few blocks from where I was staying. 

I also survived the blizzard of 1978. I remember making lots of chocolate chip cookies to sustain all the people out shoveling and wondering what to do with all that snow. People were using skiis to navigate the streets. That storm had big winds and created drifts up to 20 feet. 

After a lull, though, it was easy to forget what it means to dig out. This time it's taken me three days to free up my car from its parking spot on the street and I'm terrified to go anywhere and lose "my spot". Boston has a tradition of putting out plastic lawn chairs, parking cones, kids' toys, trash cans, and even more unlikely items to hold a space that you've shoveled out. In fact, it's ok to use a "space saver" during a snow emergency and for 48 hours after the parking bans are lifted. 

So, here's what it's been like for me ... Every day that I've gone outside with my broom and shovel it's become a meditation. There's something quiet about snow. It muffles sound and even though there's the scraping sound of shovels and the intermittent plow coming through, it has a peaceful quality. The idea of shoveling all the snow at once is beyond daunting. I am so grateful to have control over my time for most of this week. Every time I bundle up and head outside, I pick an area and break it down into small chunks. If I start to get tired, I decide to do "just one more area". Usually, when that's done, I decide to do another. There is a great feeling of satisfaction in creating space and I find myself dwelling only in this moment. 

The piles of snow are quite high from what the plows and other shovelers have accomplished. Finding somewhere to put the snow is like playing Jenga in reverse. Can I get one or two more shovel-fulls on top of that embankment before it starts to just slide right back down? What an appreciation I have for my body being able to launch each chunk of these frozen crystals.

I choose to live in Boston and this reminder is another gift. I was born in the suburbs and grew up within a 30-minute drive of the city. Even though I love to travel and I was a house-less gypsy for ten years, Boston is home. I love the seasons, even if that means two feet of snow. Maybe I do well with contrast, but isn't that what sparks life? When I am clear on what I like or prefer as well as what displeases or aggravates me, I can always keep looking for what feels good or better. 

Take what you will from my ramblings today. Find a way to be in a space of meditation, no matter what. Look for anything/everything to be grateful for. Pursue feelings of satisfaction and appreciation. Get clear on what you choose and know that everything is a choice. 

Sending Sparkles and Love Your Way!