03.31.09 - The Virtues of Spring |
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| The Cycle of Hope | ||
Spring brings hope and, given the economic state of our world at the moment, where strife, anger and fear abound, I like to think that it does the world good to add just one more work of joy and gladness.
Every fiber of my being yearns to begin anew, to cast away dark thoughts, sadness, fear and pessimism, to clear my mind, clean my home and yard, freshen relationships and pursue my goals and dreams with a renewed vigor.
 Starting a new project or business can be likened to the unfolding of spring. Sometimes it feels like two steps forward and 3 steps back. The fruit trees begin to form buds and a freeze occurs. Flowers begin to bloom and a heavy snowfall smashes them to the ground. The amazing thing is that botanics just don't give up. I realize that comparing a plant to a human is impractical on some level, but I truly believe that we can learn a lot from watching nature. There are constant reminders about not giving up even when it's a struggle, having some flexibility like the tree bending in the wind. And yes, some of these phrases are old clichés, but they become clichés because of their applicability. More than anything else, spring is a time of joy and activity. We want to be outside to work and play. Whether we're sitting at a desk in school or in the office, our minds wander to the outside where we want to be smelling apple blossoms and walking in green parks, spending the weekend wandering in the woods searching for early wildflowers or clearing our gardens. Follow your heart. When that little voice comes niggling and nudging, let it take you outside. Sit beside a brook, lean against a tree, listen to the wind, let the sun warm your face and discover nature. You won't be disappointed with the rewarding feeling of joy and contentment that pervades your mind and heart.
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The topic of spring may well have been covered by now in every conceivablThee way. Philosophers, poets, story tellers, song writers, spiritual teachers, even newscasters extol the virtues of spring. There may be nothing original to say on the matter at this point, but how can one not feel compelled to sing its praises and shout adulation to the Universe that created such a joyous, renewing and invigorating occasion? Each year, as the grass begins to turn green and the gardens come alive, I must pause from the busyness that is the regular course of life and pay homage.