Wonder is a state of awe and surprise mingling together. It is an exalted state that reminds us through the power of feelings that life is beautiful and worthy in its existence.

Non-Judging is a state of openness of mind and heart that allows Wonder to find us.

I’ve (Renee) always been an introvert, a previously shy person, and one who would rather stay at home and write or paint than go to a dinner party. And now, as winter’s cold touch envelops, and frost clings to windows and leaves alike, I find myself coming home. I am myself in this season. I make sense here, in the quiet stillness.

It seems to me Truth lives most obvious in the white snows and bitter winds. You can’t hide in the warmth of Summer full of play, the frenetic activity of Spring, or the blazing glory of Fall. No, this season’s gift is a mirror, and if you take the time to see your reflection in the ice, you might discover you find yourself coming home, too.

Winter offers a special portal that gives us a choice to pause our habitual thinking, moving, and speaking within the slowing down. You might believe life doesn't slow down in any season. After all, the human world still forces itself to grind on at the same pace. But trying to keep pace with this human world goes against nature, and the natural rhythm of our bodies. If we listen and respect what our bodies need in the colder months, we find an instinct to pause and it seems natural to take time and gaze at our inner reflection. Within this winter pause, a veil may lift and the wonder of our mind, of our soul, will stare back at us.

We can move through Nature’s quiet days with our heads down, refusing to look in Winter’s mirror. Yet, if we remember Winter’s gift and reach out to take the mirror and meet within the quiet hush of cold, Wonder can grip your heart with a sweetness likely to bring tears of much needed peace.

Embracing Wonder is a practice of not judging. How can we allow wonder to sweep inside our awareness if our minds our clouded with judgement? That would be akin to believing we can see light shining through a steel door. Openness and non-judgement of whatever emotion, thought, or external circumstances are two attitudes that allow the full breadth of Wonder to shine into us and for us to reflect it back to itself.

It would be a wonderful meditation practice to take a walk outside and allow the cold to kiss your hands and face. Instead of fighting the cold, breathe in time slowing down and notice the characteristics of cold. See if you can slow your breath amid any discomfort and allow judgment to rest for a little bit. Many times when I practice this exact exercise, I experience that state of peace in the middle of scratchy eyes from dry wind or numb toes and fingers. The beauty of this practice is that it grows our confidence to accept that we have a wondrous mind able to embrace the wonders of life.