Finding Peace in Winter's Quiet: Lessons from the Northern Lights

📍 Weekly Neurodiverse Wisdom

Finding Stillness in Winter's Chaos

Standing beneath the dancing northern lights at Jackson Lake State Park last October, my AuDHD brain experienced something rare: perfect quiet. Not physical silence - the winter wind whistled across the lake - but that elusive mental stillness we often chase through the holiday season.

Clinical Connection: Moments of natural awe can actually quiet the default mode network in our brains, reducing the mental chatter that often overwhelms neurodivergent minds. Think of it like closing all the browser tabs in your brain - suddenly there's space to fully experience the moment, whether it's the aurora borealis illuminating the sky or the soft whisper of winter wind.

Try This: As the holiday rush fades, seek out your own moment of winter wonder. Let nature's patterns and still voice guide you into the new year.

🌎 This Week's Journey

Fresh on the Blog: "ADHD Snowboarding Tips: Adventures in the Swiss Alps"

Behind the Scenes: From post-surgery uncertainty to carving through pristine Alpine powder, this journey taught me how our neurodivergent traits can transform from challenges into strengths on the mountain.

I tend to go go go while boarding weekdays with empty runs and lifts, but never in my life have I stopped so many times to just marvel at the beauty of nature…and snap some shots, of course.

Unexpected Lesson: Sometimes the best way to find peace isn't through stillness, but through mindful movement.

Quick Tip: Start your winter adventures in the quiet early morning hours when your environment matches your need for calm.

📸 Through My Lens

Northern Lights at Jackson Lake State Park

Technical Details:

• Device: iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Support: Peak Design Mobile Tripod

• Settings: Night mode, 30-second exposure, ISO 5000, 26 mm, f1.5

• Time: 11:30 PM, October 2024

• Location: Jackson Lake State Park, Colorado

The Neurodivergent Perspective: As an AuDHDer, night photography presents a unique challenge - balancing the excitement of chase with the patience needed for long exposures. The aurora taught me that sometimes our best moments come when we learn to wait in wonder and find beauty in the unexpected.

Photo Tip: When photographing at night on mobile, use your phone's built-in timer along with a sturdy support like the Peak Design Mobile Tripod. This removes any camera shake and gives you a moment to actually experience the scene.

🧠 Clinical Corner

Understanding Peace Through Patterns

Research Insight: Applying mindfulness-based practices to inspiration from CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) helps us see that recognizing patterns in our thoughts and environment can help our brains shift from overwhelm to understanding, even in chaos.

Think of it like learning your favorite trail - once you recognize the landmarks, the path feels less daunting and more like a familiar friend.

Travel Application: The post-holiday period offers a unique opportunity to practice this skill. The same way we learn to find patterns in holiday chaos (regular meal times, gift traditions, family routines), we can apply this to finding peace in new environments.

Strategy: The "Peace in Patterns" Technique

1. Identify three recurring elements in your environment

2. Notice how these patterns create predictability

3. Use these as anchors when feeling overwhelmed

For instance, while walking in a park, you might notice these patterns: the rhythm of falling snow, footsteps crunching, or trees bending in the wind. These create anchors of calm amidst sensory chaos.

⚡ Quick Hits

App Discovery

Headspace’s Soundscapes feature ($69.99/year with full subscription—$9.99 for students)

• Why it works: Creates an instant calm environment anywhere with actual 3D audio recordings of nature

• Best feature: Natural sound mixing that never loops noticeably

• Quick start: Try "Snowmelt River" or “Monastery Brook” for sleep or travel anxiety

• Perfect for: Holiday decompression and winter rest or sleeping anywhere

Sensory Hack

The Pattern Focus Kit

• 1 textured fidget tool for tactile grounding (travel-friendly size)

• 1 set of polarized sunglasses for visual clarity

• 1 white noise machine (pocket size or a phone app)

• Keep in a dedicated belt or sling bag

• Total investment: ~$125

Gear Spotlight

Huckberry’s 72-Hour Merino Tee by Proof ($78)

• Perfect for winter layering (and summer heat!)

• Natural temperature regulation

• Odor-resistant for extended wear

• Actually works for 72 hours without smelling

• Ideal for: Holiday travel, winter sports, and sensory-friendly comfort

🗺 Community Lens

While we build our Adventure Dispatch community, let's celebrate the quiet beauty of winter through shared perspectives. This week, we're featuring stunning work from our community of Colorado photographers, Kristin Mae, capturing the serene power of nature's patterns and wintery escapes.

This Week’s Question: What winter scenes help you find peace?

Share your photos with #FindJoyInChaos on Instagram or in our free Neurodivergent Navigators community on X, for a chance to be featured!