In the Spirit of Cozy {chilly morning reflections}

AS THE FALL DAYS BECOME CRISP

and the sun dips below the horizon before dinner is made, I feel a mix of excitement for the softer days and a nervousness for the darkness. You see, I have a mind that suffers from lack of sun after the new year rolls in, making it harder to muster the strength for daily tasks.

But this year will be different. This year has promise, potential, newness, freedom, peace; all words that have never graced my New Year.

This time of year – when the bells start ringing and soft carols float through the air – is when I feel the most content and cozy. The air smells of cinnamon and the candles are lit by 5 PM. The crisp air refreshes the senses as the window opens to a fresh-baked loaf on the sill.

Baking a loaf of bread is much like life – 

Inspired action and sweetness and patience and love

The baker carefully mixes the ingredients of the dough, kneads they dough with love, adds a touch of honey for sweetness. Then places the dough in a stone bowl and arranges a tea towel covering the creation. The baker’s work is done, for the yeast, the honey, the flour must do the work on its own for the dough to become a delectable loaf of nourishing bread. It is patience that turns the dough into something palatable and unique. Without patience, the bread would never be able to rise.

The Universe asks us to do the work, the inspired action, mix the ingredients, follow the direction given, add in a touch of sweetness and love. And then stand back, talk a walk, make a cup of tea, light a candle, cozy up with a beautiful book, breathe into the peace that comes from patience. Allow the bread time to rise. For within that patience is where the magic truly happens.