A season to reflect upon

With today being the first day of Spring (yea!) I feel it is an important time to reflect on how each of us also change with the seasons. For many plants and animals, Winter is a time for dormancy - a time when the pace of life slows down and the Being goes into survival mode. This is no different for people, who spend more time indoors as they avoid the cold/wet/icy weather - weather that seems to have been unfavorably persistent in sticking around for longer than usual this past Winter.

For many in Charleston, Winter is a time when work (and income) slows down due to the lack of tourism. Numerous friends have referenced how they are just "trying to survive" as they hole up at home with television, movies, video games and cheap booze. Perhaps they may even be suffering from SAD, a condition brought to my attention and discussed by a good friend (thanks Caitlin). Well, if this weekend is any indication, people have embraced the Spring season with open arms as they flood Marion Square with their beach towels and sunblock, and take to the streets of downtown. I already see more tourists in town and an increasing number of friends are working more hours or finding new places of employment.

While it is good to be physically active again and enjoying the warmer weather, I think everyone should reflect on the mental/emotional changes going on in life too. Just as Spring is a time for new life and growth in the phyiscal world, I think there is much to be said about such changes in the non-physical world as well. What ideas, hopes, dreams, intentions would you like to see fulfilled in the coming months? What budding thoughts do you want to give life to and see grow into something more? Reflect on these and then nourish them until they become as full of life as any tree or flower you see blooming outside.

Just as animals come out of hibernation and find themselves new homes (often for their newly expanded family), I also think we too need to spend some time focusing on the home. Sure, we may not be moving into a new place or adding more family members, but I still feel it is important to provide a nice, healthy environment in which to live. I believe this also allows our new ideas and intentions the proper place to flourish and succeed. The phrase "Spring cleaning" is often used around this time of year, and I feel this is due to a very natural part of our Being - a part that many of us may not even realize is speaking to us from deep within. As one "cleans up" after the doldrums of winter, do so not just in the physical sense but in your mental/emotional life as well. Rid yourself of the negative energy that restricts the flow of life, and instead flood yourself with positive energy that encourages growth.

While the sunshine and warmth may not be here every day yet (or even at all for some), embrace each day of the Spring season. Life needs both sunshine and rain to grow, so accept any rainy days for the cleansing nourishment the rain brings, and appreciate it for it's own beauty and joys. Besides, these sunny days feel so much better after "suffering" through a day or two of grey, cloudy skies. As the weather gets nicer though, I encourage everyone to spend as much time as possible outside in the natural world.

While the pleasures of a nice hike, a weekend camping, a day at the beach or a picnic in the park are certainly enjoyable, I understand they may not easily fit into the busy schedules so many of us have created. If nothing else, at least try to spend more time walking places (all dog owners know your dog would love to go on more walks) or, if it's "too far," get on the bike. Spend time at a local farmer's market rather than a local grocery store; sit down outside your local coffee shop (Starbucks is not local by the way, even if you live in Seattle) to enjoy the outdoors; eat more home-cooked meals on the back patio or deck if you can.

Whatever you decide to do, do more of it outside and connect with the natural world. Remember, the natural world should not "surround us" since we are part of it and should be immersed in it. And as you spend more time within nature, notice how the "natural" plants and animals change as we move more into the Spring season and closer to summer. See if you can find relationships about what they do, how they change, what effects the changing of seasons have on them - and how it is all very similar to each of us as well.