Montreal’s Winters
Unless you are a businessman or businesswoman, you are unlikely to come to Montreal during the winter. Well let’s say I am hearing crickets now!
More unlikely, if you are a sun worshipper and like sitting by the beach with a Pina Colada! Can coming to Montreal during the winter season peak any interest ? Hmmm, again I hear more crickets.
The truth is ,we Montrealers all agree that our winters are harsh indeed, so why would anyone actually come, you say ? I say why not ? This is Canada and we are Nordic so it will be cold and there will be a lot of snow so this is our reality. Locals here , grunt and complain about the weather in Montreal all the time.
We were not even blessed getting the warm swift of the Gulf Stream, making it insanely cold. But as a travel blogger, let me see if I can turn this around and perceive it in a different light enough to give reasons to visit Montreal in the Winter. This is a big challenge.
OK I will tell you something about me, I don’t like the frigid cold but I like snow. I like winter better than our humid summers because I sleep better, wine tastes at its glory, less crowded in the streets and body odours on bus rides are scarce. Yes I said it! Oops sorry not so sorry.
Except for the slush , snow is pretty. Snow makes a city look magical almost like in a fairy tale. It looks calm, peaceful like a picture perfect moment. White represents purity, goodness and illumination. It is soft looking and spiritual .
Art of Mindfulness
So how can someone actually enjoy winter? Well let’s start with the practice of mindfulness. For those who do not know the meaning of mindfulness, it is a state of being in the present moment, a state of really observing what is around you, the sights, the sounds, the smells, even in the ugliest moments. Without judgment just focus on this present moment.
Once you practice this art of mindfulness, your mind and your thoughts become more positive. This notion of positivity brings a feeling of well being because you start to understand happiness exists in the present moment. Complaints, hates, comparison, depression are all negative emotions you choose not to have in your life. Your mind automatically focuses on the positive even in the ugliest moments. Cultivate this art of mindfulness and you will soon fly.
We all have one thing in common here in Montreal, we all believe our winters are too long and I agree it can feel gloomy, if you allow it . Once you practice this art of mindfulness , you start to discover things about yourself you never had. You have more energy, joy and a creative approach to life.
Whether you try skiing, skating or just walking through a winter wonderland forest, it is part of what we live and we live to enjoy it, regardless how long our winters are.
Last weekend it snowed once again in Montreal. I caught myself almost complaining but I stopped myself because I chose to eliminate negativity. Instead I really did try to focus on the present moment and open my eyes to the beauty instead of ugliness. Here are my pictures from another snowy day in Montreal.
My Photography
As anyone who knows me by now, I love photography. My love of photography comes from the idea of creating my views through the eyes of my lens. Photography is a fantastic way to take the ugly and create beauty.
I am not sure if I convinced anyone to enjoy winters in Montreal but perhaps my pictures will help a little. But the ones that are interested, great you are a traveller by heart. Book your flights or hotel through Booking.
Thanks for reading, please share , comment or ask me anything !
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