There’s something special about waking up to a world covered in snow. It’s as if everything has been reset. The sky’s grey, the ground’s white, and everything feels still. Even though there wasn’t a lot of snow this day, I decided to head out and enjoy the peaceful walk through the French countryside anyway. There’s something about snowy days that always feels a little bit magical, don’t you think?
In the video, I share my walk, embracing the quiet and calm of the snowy landscape. It’s amazing how the world can change overnight — from vibrant and colorful to calm and monochromatic. The snow doesn’t just transform the world visually; it changes the way I experience everything. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
The Joy of Snow Days
Who doesn’t love a snow day? Everything looks different when it’s covered in snow. The transformation is almost immediate, and it’s like the world gets a fresh start. Even though I’ve walked this path countless times, there’s always something new to discover. On this particular day, I found myself appreciating the way the snow clung to tree branches and how the snowflakes left delicate patterns on the ground. It’s like every little detail becomes more noticeable when the world is blanketed in white.
I also spent some time with one of my favorite trees, which I’d featured in a previous video during a foggy winter walk. It was amazing to see it again, this time covered in snow. It’s funny how even a familiar spot can feel different with a change in the season.
Finding Beauty in the Small Things
One of the things I love about these walks is how they encourage me to pay attention to the little things. Even if I’ve walked the same route hundreds of times, I always notice something new. Whether it’s the shape of a fallen tree or the way the snow settles in strange places, there’s always something that catches my eye. It’s a form of mindfulness, really — noticing what’s happening around me and being present in the moment.
On this walk, I came across a fallen tree that, from a certain angle, looked a little like a deer with antlers. It’s moments like these, when we let our imagination take over, that make the walk feel even more special. I think that’s the essence of mindful walking: being open to finding surprises, even in places you’ve seen a hundred times before.
Tune into Your Senses
Mindful walking isn’t just about what you see. It’s about engaging all of your senses. The next time you go for a walk, try paying attention to what you hear, feel, and even taste. When I was walking in the snow, I could hear the snowflakes gently falling to the ground, the distant hum of an airplane, and the occasional bird call. Each of these sounds added to the sense of stillness, making the walk feel like it was just for me.
Then, take a look around and notice what you can see. Sure, there’s a lot of white, but there’s also the contrast of the snow against the dark leaves still clinging to the branches. I spotted a stream of slush forming underfoot and some ivy climbing up the trunks of the trees. The little details, like snow clinging to tree branches or footprints in the snow, make the walk feel more vibrant and alive.
And don’t forget to tune into how things feel. I could feel the cold snow under my feet, the wetness of my sleeves, and the crisp air on my face. Even though it was a bit chilly, there’s something grounding about being fully aware of your surroundings — the texture of the ground beneath you, the coldness of the air, the comfort of your warm layers. These simple sensations keep you rooted in the present moment.
Embracing Everyday Magic
I’ve been thinking a lot about Enchantment by Katherine May, and how she talks about the magic that’s always right in front of us, waiting for our attention. It’s easy to think that enchantment only happens in extraordinary places, but I’ve learned that it’s often in the everyday things — like the way snow transforms a familiar landscape, or the little patterns left in the snow. Beauty doesn’t have to be big or dramatic; it’s often in the small, quiet moments.
This idea is something I remind myself of often. The world is full of beauty, even in the most ordinary places. It’s just a matter of noticing it. So the next time you go for a walk — whether it’s snowy or sunny, in the city or the countryside — take a moment to really look around. Notice the details. Find beauty in unexpected places. You might be surprised at how much magic is waiting to be discovered, right where you are.
Go out on your first Creative Walking Tour using the PDF & audio guides I put together for you.
Over the course of three days, you are invited to go on a contemplative walk and notice the world around you in a new way. There are audio guides and suggested creative activity reponses for each day.
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