Have you ever stepped outside, weary and worried, then taken in a breath and all feels okay again? Even grey skies, whipping winds, pelting rain, and frigid cold cannot abate the healing touch of a breath of refreshing air. You nurture yourself with a simple breath.
“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” Han Christian Anderson
One morning, a thermometer reading of -50 Celcius lured me outside into a sunshine so bright, I slipped on my sunglasses before wrapping my wool scarf around my face. The Yukon December day was short on sunlight, but long in a beauty that pulled me outward. It felt magical, made me even giddy, delighted from an intake of breath filling mind, soul, and spirit – alive.
Although the winter season is not officially claimed until December 20th, shorter days and less natural sunlight is already upon us in the northern hemisphere. We can find ourselves commuting before sunrise, and returning home after sunset. We can miss out on receiving the natural Vitamin D from the green spaces of the great outdoors and their health benefits that include:
-decrease in the risk of osteoporosis and inflammation
-warding off depression and stress
-reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
-increasing fitness and sleep
Did you know that sitting outside for 20 minutes may give you the same energy as a cup of coffee?
Friend, an ordinary cold winter day can be extraordinary from a pure breath outdoors. Will you take in that nurturing breath today to quiet your mind, speak to your soul, and show you you again?
May you nurture you to be your best. The world needs you.
What is your favourite winter outdoor activity?
Did you get your Christmas Nurturing List yet? Grab it below and refresh yourself this season!
I’d love to be able to breathe in that winter air, but unfortunately cold air adversely affects my chronic bronchitis and hyper-sensitive airways. I remember as a child how I loved being out in the winter to make snow forts and caves. Or snow angels. 🙂 But I am intentionally focusing on things I still can do, not on what I can’t. What I can do right now is watch the beauty of the snow from inside a cozy, warm home. And I can feast on your awesome winter scenes and take a deep breath in of God’s beauty and goodness. 🙂 Thank you for always refreshing my spirit with your nature photography! Love and blessings to you, Lynn!
Hi Trudy. I am so encouraged by your focus on how you can enjoy (and receive the benefits) of nature! Your brother’s photos, I am sure, also give you a breath of God’s beauty. It’s been proven that just looking at a picture of nature lowers our stress and increases our happy hormone. May you be enjoying your warm home and all the lovely coziness it provides! Hugs back to you!
The scenery where you live is stunning. I love that 20 minutes outside is equivalent in energy to a cup of coffee.
I do love being outside even in the winter. I just need to talk myself into it some days.
Me too, Mary! Some days I have a hard time talking myself into going out, too. It seems the sunnier the winter day is, the colder it is, too! On those days, I may just enjoy the sun from my warm home. 🙂 And thankful I have a warm place to be. Have a blessed week!
Love this, Lynn! Although I’m not a fan of the cold weather, I do crave the warmth of the sun. This winter, I’ll be sure to spend time outside at your suggestion. Enjoy the holidays!❤️
I always enjoy seeing your sun-filled pictures, Jill! They warm me up on even the coldest of days. May you have a blessed holiday season. And hope you get lots of puzzling in. 🙂
Thank you, Lynn. Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday. Gosh, I have so many puzzles! xo
Thank you for the beautiful reminders! I’m so grateful that it’s so much easier to step out on the deck here for sunshine since we moved to our daughter’s. You are right–that breath of fresh air really does make a difference. Merry Christmas to you! ♥️
I experienced exactly what you’re saying when I stepped outside into the morning crispness. As soon as I filled my lungs I felt more alive. I’m all about being cozy by the fire, but what I know I need is to get out and walk and stretch and breathe deep. Your invitation is beautiful and needed, Lynn. Thank you.
Lynn, I love your view of winter! Not my favorite season, I am learning to love winter in its simplicity. My favorite thing to do is mostly take a walk, in the dark if you can believe that. I love the winter constellations and the brilliance of a winter sky invites me closer to God. It invigorates mind and body!
Earlier this fall I made it a practice to sit outside every day and just breathe. But I confess as it’s gotten colder that I’ve given up. I need to begin again, though, even if it’s just 5 minutes a day. Thanks for the encouragement here, Lynn!
My favorite winter outdoor activity is cross-country skiing :). I’m enjoying all of the snow in Alaska right now, and can’t wait to get my skis from the airlines (they sent them on a side trip :/ ).
Lynn, I’m not sure how I missed this post last month! I’ve been outdoors when it’s that cold, but it rarely gets THAT cold in Colorado (except for in December!). But, there is something exhilarating about breathing sparkling crisp air. Thank you for the reminder to nurture me. It’s so important throughout the year! Love your photos!