In my winter meditations I learn to work with my hobgoblins. And it leads me to reflect on the happiness research that tells us that, once our fundamental needs are met, happiness has nothing to do with income.  But with a roof over my head, a safe place to sleep and food in my belly, I am recognizing that while happiness and peace of mind are always available, they can still be elusive without intentional practice. They are like muscles that require constant exercise to grow strong. And so when the woes of managing a business stack up with the challenges of parenting and the screaming demands of my calendar and despair over the headlines, I try to pull on my meditations…to remember that I can face it all with greater strength and clarity if I tap into that peace of mind and happiness. But it’s easy to forget. And then a morning like this comes along. And I step into the woods, and suddenly it’s all so darn easy. I sponge it up, looking at every snowflake, every glint of light, and I bank it in my memory, one massive happiness workout to make me stronger for whatever comes next.