It is so inexplicably amazing what a little bit of sunlight can do for humanity. Living in the midwest all of my life, I have witnessed and myself fallen privy to the ups and downs that go along with the extreme weather we experience. And every late February / early March, a restlessness befalls my midwestern folk as we eagerly anticipate the spring that surely will make everything better and happy again. So, it snowed like crazy on Sunday and was absolutely freezing. Today, two days later, it is 60 degrees, coats and winter accessories have been abandoned, and miserly faces replaced with unpreventable smiles. All of us who had been hibernating have taken to the streets, the bikers have returned, and there is an overall sense of beauty, of peace, of joy that has spread, all because of a little glimpse of sunlight.
Would this feeling of spring, new beginnings, of fertility and joy, be quite the same and have quite the same effect had we not experienced the opposite, wintry extreme? If I lived in sunshine and temperate conditions all year round, would I appreciate this coming-of-spring sensation? I'm not so sure I would. Part of the midwest's glory lies in its distinct seasons. I wouldn't be quite so grateful for this beauty all around me today had I not emerged from a somewhat desolate winter. Even my body feels different: lighter, more active, more beautiful - instantly. Yesterday it was freezing and it took so much effort to leave my apartment. Today, I'm jumping for joy to go outside and to smile at everyone and appreciate nature. And although the raw foods journey has been getting easier and becoming more habitual with each passing day, today, there was no question that I would stick to it, no temptation for richer, cooked foods/dairy/gluten/meat. Ah, life is good. The solitude of winter has allowed this gratitude to again catch fire as we again appreciate the sun, appreciate our bodies, appreciate one another.
Have a sunshine-y day. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment