I went for a walk today. It was cold outside, but I like walking in the winter. The air was crisp and cool, the sky was so bright and so blue, and the snow sparkled. It was a perfect day.
Walking is a form of meditation for me. It is a time I give myself. I usually need to slow down, and a winter walk is perfect. There seems to be fewer distractions in winter.
Lately I am looking inward. I am trying to set and achieve life and career goals for myself. I am doing some self-reflection. I have conversations with myself on these walks as I try to take stock of myself and start laying a foundation for change.
As I walked, I listened to Vivaldi’s L’Inverno. L’Inverno (Winter) has always been my favourite of the four concertos.
I had the immeasurable chance to attend a concert at The Scuola Grande di San Teodoro a magnificent concert venue in Venice that takes visitors back to the opulence of the Republic of Venice. It was built in the 16th century and is an impressive example of classic Baroque architecture. We sat in the sumptuous Capitoline Hall on the ground floor, where musicians in period costumes brought me to tears.
I have never in my life had such a reaction to music. It pierced my soul. Such is the beauty of art and music.
Vivaldi also published beautiful sonnets to accompany the music and the combination of words and musical expression perfectly elucidates the spirit of the season.
L’Inverno (Winter)
Shivering, frozen mid the frosty snow in biting, stinging winds;
running to and from to stamp one's icy feet, teeth chattering in the bitter chill.
To rest contentedly beside the hearth, while those outside are drenched by pouring rain.
We tread the icy path slowly and cautiously, for fear of tripping and falling.
Then turn abruptly, slip, crash on the ground and, rising, hasten on across the ice lest it cracks up.
We feel the chill north winds coarse through the home despite the locked and bolted doors…
this is winter, which nonetheless brings its own delights.
What words to reflect upon, reminding me that new beginnings like seasons can be messy, even the ones you like the least bring new life, new challenges, and a chance to grow.
