Cold Days and Warm Hearts

The transition to darker, colder days brings challenges. We need to prepare our hearts, our rhythms and our clothing. Where are my friends, the light in the morning and my cozy boots? Suddenly, we notice they are missing and we need or want them. Our activities must be more intentionally planned to see people we once saw at outdoor events. Our morning routines might take longer in the dark so we need to wake up earlier. Our winter gear must be brought out of storage or purchased. Although proper winter clothes keep our bodies warm, it takes consciousness to maintain our soul's warmth during the cold days ahead. That's why we make houses for the light; carving pumpkins and creating lanterns so we can watch it burning bright. However, there's more to it than that. We need to consider our words and actions toward one another. Before speaking, it's wise to consult the "gate-keeper" who asks us to consider before speaking if our words are true, kind and necessary? When we speak consciously to each other, we can use our words to nurture soul warmth in our communities. Kindness is the highest form of wisdom, according to the Talmud. Cold winds may blow outside but with kind words and open hearts, we can stay warm together.