Windows of Possibility

On a couple of occasions this past week, I felt fortunate to be able to open up windows in my apartment to let the spring-like breeze fill my space.  This simple act of opening windows and inviting in the freshness brought a sense of positivity and possibility: new beginnings are on the horizon.

I am not naive, and know that this short respite from our frigid winter is just that, a tiny break, and without confirming it on the weather app, I know that we are due for at least a few more days of wintry temperatures before these milder ones start to become the norm.  And that's okay.  Even having small windows of possibility helps to remind me that no matter how tough the season, we are always in transit and are never stuck in one space.  

It's always easier to remind ourselves of this simple fact as we are on the upswing from a difficult time.  Upward spirals bring hope and allow our minds to embrace the idea of positivity and an end to suffering or challenges. Holding onto this knowledge and hope is much harder to do when we begin to enter a time of dis-ease or an interruption of our plans. 

How, then, can we bring this practice of finding windows of possibility, even when we are focused on all that is not going our way?  

There is a German term and practice called Lüften, which involves opening all the windows in a house for a short period to exchange stale, trapped air for fresh air, and has been called "house burping" for its similarity to releasing built-up pressure.  Almost like a cold dip for your living quarters, I suppose, with a similar exchange of sensations helping to release what is trapped.  And while this may not be feasible for everyone, I wonder if other, similar practices could be substituted that would bring with them the same type of mindset or perspective change. Some type of reset or nudge to help move past stuck energy and small bumps in the road, or even help to change the direction of a downward spiral.  

While opening windows in the winter or stepping into a cold lake or shower may not feel like a powerful or meaningful practice, it is the intention behind these actions that brings the feeling of possibility.  It is showing up for yourself and making your well-being a priority that is the most important part of these acts.  

The 

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