Mornings are the shade of cotton candy pink. Heads turned towards the sky, towards the mountains that stand tall and proud in the gentle morning light. “It looks photoshopped,” one guest says jokingly. Surreal, in other words, to be the witness of such beauty.

The Power of Mother Nature

“I usually don’t like November,” one of the volunteers says during our gratitude circle. “But here…” she falters. “There’s… there’s a shift happening. I’m up in the mornings, out for a walk with my little dog, and everything is sparkling.” We all notice it. The wild creativity of Mother Nature that balances power and softness. To be so brutal as to have an entire lake in her icy grip – only to later decide to form delicate little ice roses on top of it.

This shift is gifting us with a different kind of blooming. Yes, it’s a cold one where the wind howls and skin burns if it’s not covered by scarves, hats, or gloves, but it’s also one that opens our eyes to something greater. While nature goes to sleep, something in us awakens. 

Awe, and this awe brings out one of the most forgotten sentiments in us grown-ups. Curiosity.

To have adults carefully tap the tips of their shoes on top of the frozen lake to test whether it is safe to stand on—and when they realize it is, breaking out in joyful cheers. To see grown-ups search for the right stone in hopes to break the thick ice and then to sigh dramatically when they only make so much as a dent in it. To notice how they actively pause on their walks to inspect the unique shapes of ice that have embraced bushes and trees. There’s wonder in their eyes. So much wonder. 

“I can’t believe that I’m able to live this right now. And for that I feel grateful,” says the Finnish volunteer. 

And so are we. 

When was the last time you paused to look at a bush of ice crystals? When have you felt the joy of picking the perfect throwing stone or letting the sun warm your face in the midst of the cold? When was the last time you were filled with curiosity so grand that you couldn’t help but feel your heart drumming wildly in your chest and the corners of your lips raise into a genuine smile?

All photography by Jenny Kostoglacis

IG: @pausewithjenny