Message from the Mountain

AVERAGING IT OUT – We were below the normal snow fall average for this time of year, but, with recent storms, that is changing. The verdict for the year will not be in until April. Life is full of ups and downs that usually average out. The key is trust and patience for the totals to be calculated.   To hear this podcast recording, go to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2037649 or http://www.michaelhat...

The recent snowstorm has created a winter wonderland here in the mountains. Nature has provided scenes that are inspirations for pictures, postcards, and descriptions that could wind up in a song. It is not all perfect. We can admire or dismiss what we see. Support the show

Now that winter has taken over, many people are studying seed catalogues and travel brochures or using the internet to make plans for the upcoming seasons. It is a time to dream and then take action. The same applies to thinking about the next step along our soul’s path. Support the show

Now that we are two thirds of the way through January the wait for a nice fluffy snow fall is over. For snow enthusiasts it has been a long wait. Life is also filled with anticipation and often, when the miracle of the wait materializes, it comes without fanfare. Support the show

It seems like this winter we have been playing a waiting game watching for the next major snowstorm. Sometimes they come as predicted and sometimes they slide by us. We are also playing a waiting game as to when we can get back into the flow of life. All in good time. Support the show

Lately it seems as if there are many days when the forecast calls for intermittent weather. One needs to be prepared for both snow and sunny weather at the same time. Life also seems to have many days filled with stops and starts. The secret is to be prepared. Support the show

The winter landscape is constantly changing as the snow cover is affected by weather conditions. Rain on snow can create a puddle that makes an indentation called a pillow affect. Fresh snow of several inches can smooth the surface again. Positive belief can do the same in life. Support the show

I noticed as the setting sun turned the sky red that it did the same to the snow-covered landscape. It only lasted for a few moments before night began to overtake the sun. It was an illusion, something we experience in different ways along the path of our soul. Reality is not always what we think it is. Support the show

Nature has been providing spectacular sunrises and sunsets lately for people that take the time to pay attention. It is a wonderful way to finish up a busy day as you pause for a few minutes and feel gratitude in your heart and let your life slow down.   Support the show

This winter is sure full of ups and downs. We get some snow followed by rain and much of it melts making some people disappointed and others happy. Life has a lot of ups and downs. At least we can take control of these by our attitude. Not so with the weather. Support the show

Just about the only leaves left hanging onto the trees by mid-January are from the beech trees. It will take the new buds in the spring to dislodge them. Old paradigms hold on to us until we begin to grow and realize the old thoughts and actions that governed us no longer fit. Support the show

The bird feeders are back up for the first time since a hungry bear climbed the side of our house last summer. We are waiting for the birds to discover them. It seems as if we spend a good part of our lives waiting. I have come to the conclusion that when it is time, it is the right time. Support the show

When I looked out the window recently on a cold morning and saw two ice boats sailing on the little brook, my mind wanted to join them on a great adventure into the unknown waters on their way to the great ocean. Our minds often go on adventures, some filled with excitement and some with fear. Support the show

Now that the holidays have passed and we are a third of the way into January, here in the mountains the people and the wildlife are settling into winter. People settle into life in many different ways, including accepting situations that just don’t fit which they don’t need to accept. Support the show

A recent storm broke off several large tree limbs that landed on the edge of the driveway. My son dragged then onto the lawn where they will probably wait until spring before my hip is repaired and our truck is repaired. There are times in life when it is okay to wait. Support the show

No matter what time of year, I wake up in the morning to marvel at a beautiful world that Nature provides daily. In life, we always have the opportunity find beauty even in the middle of a barren landscape. Support the show

January’s barren landscape is slowly being covered with a light dusting of fresh snow one flake at a time. Sometimes life moves slowly and sometimes it meets a deluge of events making it hard to keep up, just like being in a blizzard. Support the show

Over the years my wife has created several updates to the trail map we print and put on our trail heads and website. The map changes each time we change the trails. Creating a life map often requires updating.   Support the show

The disappearing snowpack has led to a barren landscape this January, but we know the weather can change in a moment. When life feels like a barren landscape, it is good to remember that positive intentions and thoughts can lead to positive changes. Support the show

The cold winds of winter can discourage us from visiting the Lupine Field and the Orchard. A photo does not have the same feeling as visiting those places in person. It is possible to change one’s outlook on life by experiencing it through a different sense. Support the show

With the recent thaw, the snowpack has been significantly reduced on the mountain causing a pause on the skiing but making it easy to explore Nature on foot. My wife took advantage of that to take some photos. Conditions can change rapidly, like on our walks in life. Support the show

From heavy snow and high winds the foothills are now enjoying a January thaw. It won’t be long before the weather changes again and it is nice to see nature clearing snow from our roofs. Winter requires patience as does all of life. Support the show

Happy New Year! It is a time to make resolutions for the future. Often, a resolution does not work as it is a battle between your conscious and unconscious minds. Setting a daily intention with gratitude is a much more loving way. Support the show

Many people review the year on this last day of 2022. I prefer to look forward with a feeling that things will greatly improve as we set our intentions for the betterment of the world environment and for mankind. Support the show

I woke up to a rose-colored world outside our windows as the sun was slowly rising. I paused a moment and reflected on the beauty I saw and thought how some people expect that their “rose colored world” is only temporary. For me, what I saw set the tone for a beautiful day. Support the show