Shuffling

Feb 13

Snow has not been abundant here this winter. It was even less so last winter. So when it started snowing Saturday morning, I welcomed it and went for a walk.

I love walking in the falling snow and winter wonderland. It’s quiet, cushioned, insulated. I feel part of, immersed in Nature. It also reminds me that, like the snowflakes, I’m one in billions and billions of humans. Awe and humility all around. So when my friends encouraged me to walk the snow-covered labyrinth, my first thought was “How will I find my way?” One friend suggested that I just go with intention.

So I did. I created my own path. I have made my way on this labyrinth dozens and dozens of times, but never in the snow, never with the usual path entirely hidden.

It became a different kind of meditation. Instead of a walking meditation, it was a shuffling one. I made my path in the snow, shuffling in my boots, working different muscles in my legs. Grateful for those muscles. And also working different emotions in my heart and soul. Grateful for those emotions,

My emotions shuffled through like a deck of cards. I shuffled some right onto the discard pile. Let them go. Others I wanted to keep close at hand, in my hand. Lean into these.

When I got to what I thought was the middle, I pushed the snow aside with my boots and realized that I actually was very close to the center, only about a foot off. With intention in my heart and the guidance of a Higher Power in my soul and feet, I got to the physical center of this labyrinth and the spiritual center of myself.

In the snow. On the labyrinth. The journey within was a true blessing. Thank you friends. Thank you gracious Higher Power. Onward!