Reflection – Winter and Self Inquiry

blanket of snow

“Even with its storms, winter is the quietest time of year. There is nothing like the quiet after a storm. If you have had the privilege of being in the mountains right after a snowfall when there’s no wind, nothing moving, the snow is sucking up every sound, and you hear a deep silence everywhere, you know how potent this silence is.

In a real sense, self-inquiry is a spiritual induced form of wintertime. It’s not about looking for a right answer so much as stripping away and letting you see what is not necessary, what you can do without, what you are without your leaves.

In human beings, we do not call these leaves. We call them ideas, concepts, attachments, and conditioning. All of this forms your identity. Wouldn’t it be terrible if the trees outside identified themselves by their leaves? These are very flimsy things to be attached to.”

~ Adyashanti

Winter allows us to bring our attention inwards.

To reflect and let go of what we no longer need.

In this space we see that ideas are transitory and habits limit us.

May we navigate the storms and begin to let go.

Freedom is waiting.

34 responses to “Reflection – Winter and Self Inquiry”

  1. “In this space we see that ideas are transitory and habits limit us.” Loved this, Val!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Habits are worth periodic re-evaluation and reflection:

    “And yet not choice but habit rules the unreflecting herd.”
    ~ William Wordsworth

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Indeed. Thank you Nancy for your presence and nurturing spirit 💛

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  3. There are good habits worth cultivating. Like reading your posts for one.

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    1. Smiling…. thank you Eddie 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Beautiful, Val. I enjoy the quiet of winter and look forward to my return to the mountains. 💕🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah yes … embracing the season fully opens up this inner reflection 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Really enjoyed both yours and Adyashanti’s words about winter reflection and letting go, Val. And I like the idea of potent silence. My best to you for a sweet and simple day–

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Jet. So glad it resonated …. even without the snow storm in your part of the world 🙏

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  6. Thank you for this lovely and timely post, Val!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Ann for your lovely and timely comment 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Yes. The silence after a snowfall. Nothing like it.

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  8. The silence of snow is a wondrous thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is indeed Fiona. I’m happy that you get so much of it to fill you with wonder 😊

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  9. This post is blissful, Val. Sometimes I think all the wisdom we need can be found in nature. ❤

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    1. Thank you for this insight Diana. I’m with you 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Beautiful and timely, Val!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I do love the downtime of winter– rest, renewal and reimagination. ❤

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    1. Beautifully out Eliza 💕

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  12. bliss…I love the feeling you have created Val ❤️

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  13. Beautiful Val. 🙏❄️

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  14. I love Adyashanti. So wise. ❤

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    1. His words resonate with me so much. Thanks Bela 🙏

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  15. Sometimes we just need a gentle nudge. Thank you, Val. I love the quiet call to freedom you’ve encouraged.

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    1. So much is happening beneath the surface in winter. This year I am finding it a very creative time with ideas for the future. Thank you Debra 💛

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  16. Well-put! Beautiful hindsight! ♡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Mamie 🙏

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