....the light

Yogis,
Winter is the darkest season. Right?

Yes, in some ways. It certainly has the least amount of daylight hours. With the sun hiding below the horizon until almost 7:30 and setting before 5 on the solstice we spend almost two thirds of our time in the dark. Add in all the cloudy gray days and it can feel quite bleak.

On the other hand, when the clouds part and the sun bursts through we have some of the brightest days of the year!

Our area is still packed in with snow and ice. A cold landscape where the air is crisp and incredibly clear. Throw in some sun beams and it is blinding as rays bounce off the white landscape. Almost dizzying. I am not a big sunglass wearer so I find myself squinting as I walk.

And since the sun moves low across the sky, her rays reach through windows into areas of my home that only receive direct light this time of year. My orchids are grateful.

The moon too shines brightly this time of year! This past week the big moon with no summer leaves and haze to filter her light, illuminated my backyard. Perfectly outlined shadows of bare tree branches painted on the snow. Even the slightest movement of fox or deer captured under her spotlight.

Yesterday robins returned to my yard. Flying in and out of our big holly they feasted on the bright red berries since the ground now offers nothing. In a colorless season, any shades that do arrive appear vibrant. The cardinal. The bluebird. Standouts with no surrounding competition.

In dark times we must seek the light. It is always there if we look.

Squinting,
SARAH

....gift of time

Yogis,
My youngest son gave me a certificate entitling me to a hike and lunch on the day of my choosing as a birthday gift. Knowing frigid weather was heading our way I quickly locked in on that Thursday. The forecast read partly cloudy with a high of 53. Perfect hiking weather.

He picked me up at 9:30 and off we went to hike the nearby Billy Goat trail. This trail follows along the Potomac River with much rock scrambling, climbs and descents.  I have done it many times, but it has been a while. Doing the entire loop takes between 2 and 2 ½ hours.

When you hike with someone you have each other’s undivided attention. Even phones are tucked away as hands are needed to grab rocks for the ups and downs. Moving together and finding a rhythm, we pass through incredible landscape. Sometimes talking but also in comfortable silence.

We pause at one of the high points to sit and take it all in. Yes, there was a lunch to follow but I was reminded of how the greatest gift is that of one’s time.

For those of you with adult children, you know what I mean. All we want is to spend time with them.

I have been visiting my very first hospice client weekly since the end of September. Each Wednesday I spend two hours by her side. Some weeks she is in a recliner and able to communicate a bit. It’s in those times that I learned about her and her life. Other times she is in bed and often cannot express her wishes.

For these two hours I sit regardless. No checking of the phone. No chatting with others in the house. My complete attention on her. Maybe reading poetry aloud or playing music that I discovered she liked. Chopin. Frankie Laine. Tony Stewart.

Other times I sit silently near her. Giving her the gift of my time.

In a world with so much attention on material items and experiences we can forget that even while the cost of giving time is nothing, the value is priceless.

Giving and receiving,
SARAH