In the American south, we don’t have winter weather very often. I live east of I-95, and that corridor seems to have a “temperature bubble” over it. As the rest of the world experiences a winter thaw, and as the days grow longer, nature seems to be waking up and taking a stretch.
In eastern North Carolina, we have a several “mini” spring awakenings: We have pollen season, when the pine pollen covers EVERYTHING in a greenish-yellow coat that takes weeks to get through. Our car wash companies make special “pollen passes” for the occasion. Then, when that’s finally over, we have a few weeks of “no gnat” bliss. The humidity isn’t too high, and all the “critters” that fly and sting and annoy haven’t yet gotten the green light to awaken from winter slumber. There is often “pre summer,” in which temperatures soar into the 90’s, before they settle back down ahead of “real summer.”
Wherever you are geographically, we all have a common mindset this time of year… a sense of renewal fills the air, often literally, with blooms and seeds and the smell of newly cut grass. It’s a joyful time.
Springtime, with vibrant colors and gentle breezes, carries a transformative power that touches every aspect of our lives. Visually, we get budding flowers and bright green trees. What was brown and grey is now bright pink and yellow. The chirping of birds, calling us to pay attention to the fact that the sunlight starts earlier, seem to say, “Get on up!” they chirp. “You’re going to miss it!”
The arrival of spring brings a renewed sense of hope and vitality. Everything seems in motion.
One of the most captivating aspects of spring is its ability to inspire inner growth and change. As plants burst from the ground, we humans are encouraged to shed the constraints of the winter cold and isolation. Less binge watching, more friend enjoying. Our schedules and locations are more active, and the past seems more distant as we embrace new beginnings. Spring can invite us to reevaluate our goals and aspirations, and to cultivate a mindset of growth and possibility. More new businesses start in the spring than in any other time of the year. Ask a wedding planner how the schedule looks in May, June and July, compared to the rest of the year.
Springtime can serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. As nature changes, we’re reminded of our dependence on nature for sustenance and renewal. Spring invites us to rekindle our relationship with nature, calling us outside while fostering a sense of gratitude and stewardship for the environment that sustains us. Fresh veggies awaken our taste buds, and the fresh-picked strawberries… oh yeah. We go to work to plant for the upcoming harvest, our hopes dependent on good weather and plentiful sunshine and rain. How nature works as a symphony still marvels me.
Beyond the physical, springtime also tugs at our emotions. The warmth of the sun and the beauty of blooming flowers have a remarkable ability to uplift our spirits and dispel the darkness of winter. When it’s cold, we fold inward. When it’s warm and sunny, we open up, embracing warmth and color and vibrant tastes and sights.
Optimism and joy are more easily grabbed and held as we emerge from shadows, dark and cold. Somehow, spring has the ability to help us embrace not only the light of a new season, but feel like we could tackle any obstacle, overcoming anything in our way. Mood and mindset, sights and smells, optimism and vibrancy, are all front and center now.
I invite you to a time of rejuvenation and self-care this spring. Embrace the urgency of nature, taking advantage of the moment to grow, seek, learn and change. Whether it’s taking a longer walk in a nearby park, practicing yoga outdoors, reading a devotion or a holy book, or just enjoying some Vitamin-D sunshine, spring offers countless opportunities to nurture our bodies and spirits.
Maybe the month of May can be a metaphor for personal growth and transformation for you? Just as nature undergoes renewal each spring, we can take a first step toward self-discovery and reinvention. By embracing the lessons of spring… resilience, adaptability, urgency and growth… we can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
Is today a day for you to embrace the opportunities for renewal and self-discovery?
What can you do, today, to learn something new? What can you do to help someone else discover their purpose and joy?
May the transformative power of spring, help you cultivate a life filled with joy, purpose, and abundance… and don’t forget… you can always choose to love, wherever you are.
I’ll look for you online, and at our in-person events.
Rev. McHarg
Opmerkingen