Winter’s Arrival

Even though I am surrounded by evergreens up here in the mountains, some of the deciduous trees amongst them are shedding their leaves. My quaking aspens in front of my window are already completely bare. While we haven’t had any snow yet, the temperatures have been dipping down to high 30s in the mornings. Winter is here for sure.

This is the fourth winter since we moved to live in the mountains full time. The memory of last season with the epic snow falls is still fresh, and I must admit I feel a slight apprehension for what the weather might bring. With El Nino, the forecast says it is going to be “warm and wet” with snow level 8,000 feet. We’re at 5,500 feet elevation here in Pine Mountain Club. This means we’re likely to have more rain than snow? We shall see.

What a blessing it is that I get to experience the distinct seasons here despite that I’m still in Southern California where people say there’s no season. With these seasonal changes in this mountainous haven, I am reminded of the profound Buddhist concept of Impermanence, known as “anicca.” Impermanence is a foundational principle in Buddhist philosophy that underscores the transient and ever-changing nature of all things. It extends beyond the physical realm to encompass the emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of our lives.

The shedding leaves and the bare aspens outside my window are not just symbols of the changing seasons but tangible reminders of the impermanence inherent in the fabric of existence. In the face of uncertainty about the upcoming winter and the unpredictability of weather patterns, the wisdom of impermanence encourages acceptance and mindfulness, fostering a deeper connection with the flowing currents of nature and time.