Snow Vitality

When ever anyone speaks of being "snowed in", I am immedietly driven to
recalling that a large reason for the popularity of residence in these mountains known as the Kaatskills was the purity of the air, and it's proported healing propoerties as well. Dozens of people lined open air porches at night to conversate, take tea, and imbibe the air and it's promise of renewed vitality.

Now, when it snows, and that same healing wind blows, people become disgruntled. They begin to feel detained, restricted, somewhat "snowed in". I propose that it is quite the opposite that is true. These people are snowed in by their adherence to a set of beliefs about reality that stop them from seeing the truth that is all around them.

That snow brings health. Even when it is not there. But boy, is there a whole lot now.

When winter approaches, I feel a new growth resurge inside of me. I am preparing for many months of burning heat inside against the impending promise of chill, elements, and exposure. All of these paying the cost for my participation in the healing properties of mountain air.

Well worth it, I believe. Fetching wood, carrying water, getting more copy paper, it's all good for you. It makes it even more healthy if you have to get warm on top of it. This is the secret vitality of the mountains. That your body has to work a little harder, breathe a little deeper, colder air from time to time. This keeps us fresh, even in the face of daunting weather and chill.

As Robert Frost said, wood warms us two times. Once when we cut it, another when we burn it. The thought of facing winter makes mw warm inside. I want to survive, and smile within it's chill. It's that chance to bring that desire alongside a Catskill wind that keeps me here. Year after year...