Making Sense of the Winter Storm

Making Sense of the Winter Storm
Authored by Matthew Mitlas
This past week sure has been hectic! With all of the snow, ice, power outages, business closings and declared emergencies, it is no surprise that we have been thrown off our rockers. I find it ironic that even during times like these where nature slows down and encourages us to follow suit, we seem to work and complain even more! We may not be running around where we can usually be found, but our thoughts are running just as fast, if not faster than usual- even as we sit in silence in our chilly houses without power: “How am I going to charge my phone? This is going to cost me so much money! Is there any way I can get work done right now? I wonder how my family is doing in *said warm state*- I bet they’re just great! When the power comes back; when the snow melts, I’ll be happy.”

Sound familiar? Okay, stop right here. Let’s slow things down and take a look at the opportunity present for us here in this moment.

When things like these power outages happen and businesses have to close, it is a message for us to slow things down. Nature is so clearly asking us to do so! This past week we received insight into our attachment to many objects including technology and electricity. You see, we have become distracted by the stimulation we receive from these objects and the attachments we place on the future.  And while these things are well and good and have their place in modern life, there is also a time and place to put those things down; to sit and to breathe and to familiarize yourself with your own breath and company. This practice is called stopping. We learn to stop and to take a breather; we check in with what is going on in our thoughts and our bodies. It is here, in this moment, that we find ourselves once more. Peacefulness and joy are no longer dependent on the electricity coming back (or in a broader context- the arrival of the future). Instead, peacefulness and joy exist right now, in this moment, with each breath.
This Buddha is doing a great job considering how cold he is!

Try it out!  For the next two minutes, close the screen on your computer. Get comfortable, exactly where you are, and close your eyes. Just breathe. Let the breath enter and exit your body without effort. The practice of stopping means you do not change or control anything- you only stop and watch things go by- just as you would a cloud in a beautiful blue sky.

How do you feel?

When we practice stopping, things begin to slow down. From this new place of stillness, we can remind ourselves that even though we have thoughts and anxiety running through our minds, everything will be okay. Stopping teaches us to act on what is necessary at the right time and to continue our day with tranquil, easy awareness. It is such a beautiful practice because we can return to it anywhere, anytime.So even if electricity has returned to your home or if you are still awaiting the day, give yourself the opportunity to stop and reflect and to make a new choice. You will soon find this practice vital to your health and well being.

Every moment is an opportunity to find an inner place of peace, tranquility, and stillness. May your finding it be easy and effortless.