What Winter Requires

Spirit of Life,
Great force of love that moves through all beings:

True winter has at last descended.
Its deep cold and scouring winds
purify our hearts
paring away all that is not essential.

Winter requires of us
that we move slowly
and pay attention.

In the silence after snow
we feel our breath
the beating of our heart
whether our belly is full or empty
whether our body is warm or cold
whether we have love or do not.

Only the essentials.

As winter goes on,
help us remain aware
of what is truly essential
and make every effort
to ensure all beings have it
for we do have love
in great abundance
and love requires that we share.

May it be so.

Blessed be.