Yet my heart can't help but leap when I survey the snowy scene from my balcony. The snow is growing deeper, colder, and more treacherous by the minute, and all I can think is that I am thrilled in spite of myself.
The Weather Outside Is Frightful, but Delightful
What's the source of my irrational, irrepressible joy? Four thoughts come to mind.
- Snow is transformative. One minute, you're looking at an ordinary view of houses, streets, and trees. An hour later, the scene has been magically transformed into a shimmering snowscape. The symbolism hasn't been lost on dreamers through the ages, such as eighteenth-century poet William Cowper, who heralded the approach of snow by writing: "To-morrow brings a change, a total change."
- Snow is restorative. A growing body of research shows that spending time in natural environments can provoke effortless attention, revive mental alertness, and reduce stress. Much of this research has focused on green space, but it stands to reason that nature's white space may awaken an innate affinity as well.
- Snow is hopeful. December finds many of us dreaming of a white Christmas - even residents of southern states where the statistical likelihood of such an occurrence is decidedly slim. Some historians trace the idealization of a snowy Christmas to the nineteenth century, when many beloved traditions were popularized and, not incidentally, when there was a global trend toward colder winters. Whatever the cultural roots, it's clear that the thought of a holiday snowfall often brings out our inner optimist.
- Snow is peaceful. Listen carefully. Do you hear the sound of snowflakes fluttering softly to earth? Of course you don't. Snow is silent, and therein lies one of its greatest charms. The incessant racket of the manmade world has been linked to distressed feelings, distracted thoughts, and disturbed sleep. In a world characterized by noise and chaos, snow is comfortingly soundless and serene.
Linda Wasmer Andrews writes about health and happiness from her home in Albuquerque, NM. Follow her on Twitter. Find her on Facebook. Visit her online.
