There is something so very rewarding about shoveling.  It’s the winter equivalent of weeding a garden.  When I first look at the task at hand, I shudder and think of a million other things I just HAVE to do now, or who I could get to do it for me.  But once I resign myself to the task and get into the mindless rhythm of it, I find myself smiling.  I love the way my muscles respond to the challenge, even while knowing that while I couldn’t tell you which ones I’m using in the moment, I will be made painfully aware of their presence in the morning!  I love the silence that envelopes the otherwise bustling block.  Gleeful squeals from kids on sleds or playful barks from dogs overjoyed with their snowy wonderland replace the sound of cars rushing by.  The scraping of shovel against sidewalk is like striking gold and each exposed patch of the concrete path makes me swell with pride at my accomplishment.

Shoveling, like any mindless chore, gives me a great opportunity to give my conscious mind a job to do and frees my unconscious mind to roam freely.  Ideas come spilling forward and the excitement of the job well done combines with the excitement of new things to do or write or imagine.  Before I realize it I am nearly done and return all my focus to “breaking through” to the other side  and completing my mission.

I walk back inside, feeling tired but proud.  I go to the picture window to survey my handiwork, just as the plows storm by and fill back in the driveway.  The sidewalk, bare a minute ago, has already been covered by the still falling snow.  I sigh, and then smile, remembering that sweet time of escape I just experienced.  Looks like Mother Nature is going to give me lots of opportunities to feel that again!