Where I live is a snow bunny's paradise.

If you love to ski, you love Bend, Oregon.

And so when we have rain instead of

snow in the winter, I am the rare bird who is tickled by the occasion. Don't get me wrong. I love the

snow too. The magical setting created by Mother Nature is magnificent. And I really just become giddy,

as do my pups. As the snow's arrival

offers many ways to enjoy this special time of year. In acknowledging the gifts of either occasion,

whether it's snowy or rainy in the winter, as well as any other weather that comes throughout

the year, sunshine-filled days, blustery wind that sweeps out one front

of weather to usher in another, whatever it might be, we are practicing acceptance and presence.

One muscle we are strengthening when we meditate is the ability to find stability in ever-changing

conditions. From our daily life, emotions and feelings, the news of the day,

anything outside of our control, as it changes, we understand how to be present without being

bothered. This doesn't mean we don't care, but we have the ability to choose what and how we will

engage, if at all. We understand how to choose,

and that knowing gives us peace. Similar to the constant changes in the weather from one day to the next,

one hour to the next, let alone one season to the next, when we can embrace what is, while also understanding its evanescence, we discover how to the next, when we can embrace what is while also understanding its evanescence,

we discover how to calmly navigate whatever the weather. We discover what it feels like to rest

in contentment. Meditation teaches us how. By finding beauty in all types of weather,

or to bring it home to our occasions in life we may be living through, we eliminate the fear

and find our stability, a stability we give ourselves. Find a comfortable place to rest. Gently rest your gaze on a

spot in front of you and start to breathe naturally.

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