Mindful Monday: Warm Hearts
I love the winter and with our season’s first snowfall, I always get so excited! I love walking in the snow, the fresh air, the snow glistening on the trees, and I’ve already gone for my first skate.
Being warm and cozy is essential for enjoying winter outdoors. Each time I head outside, I bundle up in my warm socks, coat, boots, scarf, hat, and mittens – from tip to toes.
I’m covered and most of the time, I wouldn’t have put much thought into it…just layer up and get outside. But lately, I’ve become more aware than ever, that so many people aren’t afforded this same luxury.
Being warm should not be a luxury and yet it is - even in our city.
A few weeks ago, I went to an exhibit put on by Ark Aid Street Mission, an organization devoted ‘to helping anyone in their time of need, regardless of colour, race or creed.’
They were raising money and awareness of the homeless situation in London with an exhibit that included photographs of some of the homeless people within our community.
It was deeply touching to look into their eyes knowing they have a bigger story. I saw strength and resilience; fellow human beings who are doing what they can to survive with limited resources.
The Executive Director Sarah Campbell told me that 200-400 people are homeless every night in our city, which was a startling realization for me.
I was so incredibly inspired by both the work Ark Aid does and our fellow brothers and sisters without shelter that I will be offering a ‘Meditate + Donate’ to help bring awareness and raise funds.
On Wednesday, December 20th I will be hosting a meditation which you can join and offer a donation to Ark Aid. I hope that you’ll join me!
Now, as I venture outdoors, I am grateful for the activities I can do, and I am also grateful for being warm in my clothing and my home. We all deserve this.
Here’s how I’m integrating this into my mindfulness practice:
Appreciating how wonderful it feels to be warm when I am all bundled up.
Noticing what my hat feels like on my head, how my gloves feel on my hands, how my boots feel on my feet, how my coat feels on my body.
Noticing how warm I feel in my home with the fire and a warm cup of tea.
Noticing how warm I feel in my cozy bed.
I am enjoying bringing awareness to these things I have always had. Noticing. Sensing.
I don’t feel guilty for what I have. I feel deeply grateful for what I have. It’s easy to take all of this for granted because its normal to me but I’m increasing my awareness now acknowledging the comfort I have in my life that many don’t.
So, please if you can, join me on December 20th for ‘Meditate + Donate’ and during a season focused on giving, let’s consider how we can best give of ourselves to those who need the support. If you can't make it on the 20th but want to still donate you can do so, and thank you!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Diane