| 01 December 2010
Every morning and evening we go out into the dark to feed and to bring water to our horses on the now shiny white pasture. We have to work pretty hard to get the water to them because it involves carrying heavy jerrycans for approx. 1000 metres while trying to avoid falling into a large shallow pond or stumbling over the razorsharp edges of piled-up frozen mud. It could be a real drag depending on the state of mind with which I do this task. When I look at it as a child-like adventure then, together with the help of my best friend Mario, we get the job done AND feel good at it. I focus on the blessing of 'hearing' the typical silence of winter and enjoy the the absence of everyday noises. Such a rare treat! To me, evening snow landscapes have a special and magical feeling to it. It feels like completely being covered in the Moment and finding the joy in that. I slow down, deliberately, conscious of each step I take and the crackling sound of the snow under my wellies. I feel the warmth of my sjawl and eskimo-hat and how much comfort they give me. Before I know it I have walked the distance from the car and have arrived at the horses who love to be outdoors all year round. I see the light in our horses eyes and their smile when we bring them their favourite food and re-open the hole in the ice that covers their drink water. I smell the fresh scent of the hay that we feed them in generous portions. I enjoy a little conversation with the horses while I check to see if they are o.k. or that they might need something from me. Then I bring the sheep in the pasture next to ours some of this fresh hay too. I have to cover 800 metres of unspoiled white snow to reach them and I feel excited leaving my footsteps in that pristine snow. Filled with warmth in my heart I then retrace my steps over the white land under my feet, listening to the sound of snow being crushed, my breath in the silent air, the warmth of my gloves and woolen socks, the eskimo hat and before I know it, I am back at the car again. Thankful for the short but special cold winter adventure!
© Nathascha Heijen
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