I believe that our ability to thrive both as individuals and as a society depends on our ability to embrace nature.  To understand the complexity of this thought, consider the definition of 'nature':

1. the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : essence 
2. a creative and controlling force in the universe; an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual
   
3. the physical constitution or drives of an organism
4. a spontaneous attitude
   
5. the external world in its entirety
   
6. humankind's original or natural condition; a simplified mode of life resembling this condition
7. the genetically controlled qualities of an organism
   
8. natural scenery

As I write this, I am looking out the window watching the snow fall. A blanket of white that covers so many wrongs and brings, if only for a moment, a sense of innocence back to the world. Last week, when the snow was never ending and rising up to the sky, there was something magical in the crisp air. A desire to stomp through the snow to see how high it was; to climb a drift and proclaim yourself king of the hill; to curl up in your blanket with a hot cup of tea and just be still. For that brief day, time stopped. We were at peace. The impassable roads proclaimed a day of rest. Even on the news, the topic of the day was staying home. But then, Thursday came. And with it came the urgency that is so much a part of our lives. Back to work, back to errands and stress and trying to get ahead. All too quickly, we lose trace of what we experienced when the world went white and silent.

The challenge, then, is how do we find these moments in our everyday life? As with everything, it requires a conscious choice. Yes, our lives are never-ending. And yet, taking 10 minutes a day for silent reflection or joyful abandon can have an incredible effect on your stress levels, and therefore on the quality of your life.

As February celebrates the heart, this is the perfect time to start. Challenge yourself to take 10 minutes every day for yourself!