I Love Winters

I love winter!  Although the weather is often cold and gray, I nevertheless feel it is a divine and joyful season. If you manage to get out of the house, even though the weather may not be very good, you will still be surprised to find how alive and energetic the whole environment is. You can sense that there is lots going on out there. Just think about the birds; no matter how cold it is outside, the birds always still seem excited, joyful, and ready to celebrate. Every time I manage to connect with them; I feel their vibrant energy.  The birds’ presence always makes me feel blessed. You don’t really need to have any reason to celebrate life. The snow, the wind and the morning fog makes me feel rich, abundant and blissful.

 

Winter is a symbolic transition: prepare to part with the old and get ready for the new. Perhaps that’s the reason why there are so many festivals around this time of year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, The New Year and the Chinese New Year. We reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate the outgoing year and welcome the new. Winter is a perfect opportunity to be grateful for everything we have.

 

 I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan and I lived in a national park, Yang Ming Shan.  Every year close to Christmas, the climate there gets cold, wet, and foggy.  But at the same time it is still warm enough for the flowers to be in bloom. I remember vivid colors of red, pink, white and orange.  The whole mountain area became so colorful.  Although it is wet season, you do get a few sunny days. During these days, you can hear the roosters far away, the dogs barking, and you can see and smell the cooking smoke; it is almost as if the whole mountain is alive and active.  You can literally feel that you are part of this vibration!  Everything and everyone is covered by divine light. You feel so peaceful and wonderful.

 

Then there are these foggy days when the whole mountain is covered by a curtain and you can almost sense the movement of the fog.  You can feel it moving in, covering everything, and finally departing.  Everything is so peaceful and serene. No matter where you are, mother earth is happy to share her bounty with whoever is sensitive enough to perceive her presence.

 

And of course, there were many days of rain and cold weather.  It seems that everything comes to a standstill during this time. The world is silent during these days, but if you venture to step outside, you can hear the dripping sound of the rain, hear the birds singing, and observe that the flowers are in full bloom. Believe it or not, when you walk on the trails you can sense how the vegetables are silently growing!  Their beautiful green colors radiates the energy of life. You feel that everything is alive and ready to serve us. Every time it gets cold and wet outside, these treasured memories come back to me.

 

When I later moved to Hong Kong I lived on top of a little hill.  The winter in Hong Kong is really pleasant.  It is always around 50-70 Fahrenheit and sunny!  Around the Christmas time, I always used to look down to the ocean. The blue waters reflected divine sunshine.  People were sailing and you could feel how the ocean was alive. I loved going hiking during this season. You could feel the celebration of life everywhere and amidst a serene atmosphere.

 

 I would also go to the shopping malls and restaurants.  Despite the warm climate you could still find giant Christmas trees everywhere. Live performers were out in the streets and in the malls. Everyone was ready to join the celebration. And then there were also these glamorous holiday balls, yummy food, great bands, elegant dresses, and fancy decoration. Cosmopolitan city life has its charm.

 

Now here I am, ready for a white Christmas in Boston, MA. This is my first white winter and I really love it!  Finally I have the chances to put on the mittens, the boots, the hats, scarves, and the heavy coats that served little purpose before.  All these experiences and impressions are new and fun for me. Who would have thought that walking the snow-covered streets can be so poetic! Even with the occasional car rushing by me, it still seems the world stops during this holy period. I enjoy my solitude with only the snow moving, quiet and silent.

 

By Su Zhen