We are on the brink of Winter here in Australia and the further down south we venture, the colder it becomes. This morning I woke up so happy and excited to start the day. As I pulled up the blinds I could see we were surrounded by thick, heavy fog. The temperature was below freezing and I couldn’t wait to get outside and join the birds who were happily perched on the gum trees singing their morning tunes.
I popped on my slippers, beanie and dressing gown and went outside the van to boil some water in the billy can to make my morning coffee. The water always takes so much longer to boil over the gas stove when it is cold, however, I embraced this time to look out in awe at the beautiful eeriness surrounding me. I felt cold yet so cosy at the same time. Although I could not see it, I could hear the wildness of nature waking up around me.
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” ― Albert Camus
With my coffee now warming my hands and soul, I sat quietly and listened to the sounds; the leaves rustling in the trees above, the different bird calls, the cows mooing in the distant fields, the morning dew dripping from the annex onto the dry, dusty earth. I savour every warm sip of my coffee and like a child, I take a deep breath and blow into the cold air watching the steam form from my breath. I take notice of how my hands wrap lovingly around my mug, embracing the warmth.
My son Phoenix wakes and joins me outside. Cuddled in close to stay warm, he too was excited by the sight of the fog, having not experienced anything like it before. We could just make out the Eastern Grey Kangaroos through the native grass, enjoying their morning meal. The natural world was awake and buzzing, regardless of the temperature, and my heart was full knowing that we were to. Even in the hardest of winters, the natural world navigates through to the spring that waits on the other side. There is a lesson to learn in this and there is something so empowering about embracing a cold or fallow season.
After some time, the fog begins to lift and we could once again see the horizon, the sun finally visible slowly warming our cold cheeks and noses. I think to myself in this moment what a blessing it is to feel so cold yet so lovingly warm.
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