Spring has arrived. It’s the Equinox—that pivotal moment in the year when daylight equals the dark, fulfilling the promise of Imbolc (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere). It’s time to break out and break through! All over my garden I see the signs. Hyacinths and daffodils are poking their heads above ground. Branches that have looked dead for months now sprout with new life. The birds are getting busier.
After its silent winter metamorphosis, my garden has begun its journey of discovery, finding out just how lush and beautiful it can become. According to the laws of natural magic, it’s the same for humans too. Who are you? What are you here to do? These are Spring’s essential questions. But we’re not meant to answer them immediately. Action is more relevant than figuring things out. A simple Equinox ritual? Leap! Or lie on the ground and join the great stirring.
Asking questions invites new action. Social scientists have discovered that questions awaken our creativity, while judgments shut us down. In the days ahead, let yourself wonder about your future. Wonder “What wonderful thing will I accomplish?” or “How will I solve this dilemma?” Let the silence that follows these questions dissolve winter’s cobwebs—any lingering boredom, dissatisfaction, pointless anger, self-doubt. or the the self-image that no longer fits. Be willing to be surprised at the sensation of “possibility” awakening in your cells.
Another good strategy as you enter this season is to keep your focus off of what you don’t want—and on to what you do. Spring is the season for beginnings. Your future is being created by your attention now. If you’re focused on irritations or lack, you will get more of the same. If you fill your heart with joyful feelings and your mind with delightful images, your momentum towards a brighter future will build. The tulip shooting up from the ground doesn’t think, “I’m tired of winter.” It thinks, “I want to be a luscious bloom.” When you do likewise this cycle, a resplendent future will start speeding your way.
If you bring forth what is within you,
What you bring forth will save you.
If you do not bring forth what is within you,
What you do not bring forth will destroy you.
–The Gospel of Thomas, Verse 70
Lovely message, Dana! And just what I needed to hear. As always, thanks for the inspiration.