I find it wild sometimes, the amount of contrast in this world we live in.

I recently visited Miami Beach for the first time. I spent 5 days basking in the warm glow of the sun, walking around in the refreshing air by the beach. Swimming. Seeing the bright colors of the botanical garden. Relaxing with my husband and enjoying a little escape from the harshness of winter.

Now I’m back in Utah, near the mountains. It’s cold and gray and snowy (although much milder than it was last winter).

I've been grateful that it's been warm enough lately for a few runs outside. I’m grateful to have the privilege of travel, the comfort of a cozy home. I live in a place where there are four distinct seasons, and although the warmer seasons are my favorite, there are things to be grateful for about the cold.

And speaking of cold… this weekend I did something brand new that was out of my comfort zone.

I tried a river plunge!

The air temperature was below freezing (in the high 20s) and the water temperature was in the 30s! Definitely the coldest plunge I’ve ever done.

Followed by a session in the heat of a sweat lodge.

It was epic! So revitalizing and cleansing.

I thought about how this last month has held beautiful contrasts for me.

Snowy mountain views and rejuvenating beach views.

The cold, the heat, and everything in between.

I keep thinking about how contrast defines our lives, and yet we resist change.

Contrast can give us a feeling of being fully alive.

Yet, when I’m in the cold, I’m often dreaming of the heat.

I forget that I need both— that life requires both. Both are beautiful in their own ways, if we can see these experiences with gratitude.

As humans, we are meant to feel highs and lows, hot and cold, light and dark. It is a life of stark contrast.

I’m in a space of healing, spiritual growth, observation, and finding a neutral perspective even when there is high contrast.

It’s a beautiful place to be.

I hope however things are going for you, whether you’re feeling the heat or the cold, you’re able to find some neutral ground as you observe the highs and lows, the contrasts within your own life.

We can choose to breathe through all of it.

With love,

Rachel

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