The Free Radical

Day-by-day we’re having to play it by ear. Plans make way for improvisations.

It’s not even officially winter yet and winter is settling right in regardless. Temperatures this week are predicted to hover around the -20C mark! As such it is difficult to coax Sitka into frequent walks… and even my own Canadian ass is a bit reluctant. Expect the Forest Reports to be a bit more sporadic throughout the coldest months. (You’ve probably noticed already.)

We’ll do our best under the circumstances!

The cold does however bring an overall positive message.

“In the deepest ‘freeze,’ inflexibility turns into rigidity and brittleness. That which is unworkable and uncompromising will simply shatter.

“When it’s cold outside, it is natural to draw oneself within… to the cozy confines of self-examination. You are able to see illusions for what they are: fantasies which have never served. Let them fall to pieces now, during the coldest time… so that you will not waste energy on that which is clearly unworkable. In the warming spring the broken shards will simply melt into the Earth for recycling without the need for any misplaced grief.

“People too who are ‘cold’ and ‘rigid’ may face the real prospect of shattering into a million pieces. Mind that you are not in harm’s way of icy shrapnel! Allow the false ice sculptures to fall. Edifice and artifice need to be removed– if not actively and consciously, then through the passing of the seasons of the soul.

“All of the energy bound up in rigidity will soon become available to more warmth-oriented intentions. Just allow the process… and watch for falling icicles!”

Winter sure is beautiful though!