Night Visitors

After yesterday’s (Jan 20) heavy snow fall, our yard has been transformed from dull grey into a winter wonderland filled with magnificent soft sculptures. Sharp edges are transformed into voluptuous curves of softness. The cedar hedge appears like a chorus line of Snow Whites dressed in flowing gowns. The oak tree branches become 10 times their size laden with white marshmallow-like snow fluff. 

On fresh fallen snow there are a zillion tiny foot prints embedded in the snow. I don’t know about you, but I am often surprised by the many night visitors who wander through our yard in the moonlight. Their presence only revealed through fresh tracks in new fallen snow.

Seeing these tracks - some tiny, some large, some focused with a clear destination, some wandering, I am filled with wonder and playfulness just knowing these creatures are around. And happy they stay outside! Out of our home and out of my car! (That’s a story for another day) 

Google helps identify some tracks yet most remain a mystery. 

In a recent interview on CBC’s The Current, Holli-Anne Passmore, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton, put words to my heart’s response. “Noticing nature and how it makes you feel,” she said, “leaves you with a sense of elevation.” Passmore also explained that the link between noticing nature and our well being is based on solid science, not a passing tree hugger fancy.  Not that there is anything wrong with tree hugging! 

You may wonder - What is ‘elevation?’ Passmore went on to explain that elevation is a composite emotion - leaving us with a mixture of awe, wonder, deep appreciation, spiritually uplifted and morally elevated. 

I like it - being ‘elevated.’ Being amazed. 

Especially this January. Especially this January as the world takes the next steps with our neighbours to the south and ‘he who shall not be named.’ 

While we lament, it helps me to remember that our ancestors have thrived amid tough circumstances and so can we, even while our hearts ache as evil becomes normalized. It helps me to remember that Love always prevails. It just does. 

So maybe one of the ways we can thrive through these next four years is by simply noticing nature. You don’t have to add additional time to your day. You don’t have to go for a walk - although walking is good - just go about your day and notice. 

Guide your attention to what is beautiful - to what fills your heart with wonder. Be it from your kitchen or car window or a walk in the woods. Give yourself a boost. Just notice. The birds. The trees. The sky. The night visitors. And notice how it makes you feel. 

In Peace,

Elizabeth