The World Rotates as The Windspinner Spins

by Lizz Cassidy

Above: Snowflake windspinner

Ever noticed how babies can be entertained for hours by a mobile?  All a mobile really is is a simple collection of plastic figurines, which dart around and around while playing a repetitive series of whimsical notes.  The great thing about babies is that every new form of stimulation is always met with awe.  Adults, on the other hand, would simply disregard the mobile as a “baby toy.”  Sometimes, in our busy adult lives, it’s difficult to regain an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

Once upon a time, I used to enjoy the simple things in life, such as playing in the park, sucking on a lollipop, and the rush you get on a swingset when your body hurls through the stratosphere.  However, the job, night-classes, and the everyday stresses related to getting to appointments on time have really taken their toll.  That’s why, sometimes, I just like to sit back, relax, and reflect upon my day.

Because it’s cold outside, I can’t sit out in the patio.  Therefore, I have to settle for my living room.  My routine involves turning the TV off, sitting back with a cup of coffee, and just enjoying some time to myself.  That’s why I love the windspinners in my window.  From afar, windspinners create a mesmerizing 3D light display as they reflect the sunlight rays in an infinite number of seemingly random directions and patterns. As the windspinners rotate, driven by their corresponding electrical motors, I can’t help but to appreciate the calm and serene feelings that emanate from within me. 

Like a child gazing in wonder at a mobile, I stare at the intricate patterns of the windspinner, contemplating how truly simple life really is.  Often, we tend to over-analyze and over-indulge in our day-to-day obsessions, without truly seeing the bigger picture.  My reflections have helped me to realize that in the grand scheme of things, our individual obsessions really are not as important as we make them out to be.  There are issues in this world which have far greater ramifications, such as the destruction of our environment, starvation, disease, and war.

As I sit in my living room and gaze into the intricate patterns of my windspinners, I can’t help but to appreciate everything that I have.  And with that thought, the doorbell rings, and I can hear the commotion of my family on my porch.  Although I enjoyed my contemplations, I think to myself that I can’t wait to spend the duration of the holidays with my family.

Happy holidays, from Lizz Cassidy.

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