The Need To Be Outside

She turned to the sunlight
    And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
    "Winter is dead.”

---A.A. Milne

When We Were Very Young

 

The coffee was in the final stages of brewing while I stood by my kitchen window surveying the damages made by the twelve inches of snow last week.  My eyes fell upon a rabbit, the first I had seen this spring.  Rabbits are a symbol for fertility and new life.  I was aware of the squirrel not far off and wondered when the hare would notice it approaching.  When the rabbit froze in position, I knew the squirrel was being observed.  Swishing its long tail, the squirrel boldly came closer and closer.  Without an instant of notice, the rabbit darted off making quick and rapid turns, clearly leaving the squirrel behind. 

According to ANIMALS SPEAK by author Ted Andrews, we learn from the rabbit the ability to take advantage of opportunities that may only present themselves for brief moments.  We must be able to recognize movements within our lives and be fast in  our reaction.  Squirrels are representative of busy activity and preparedness while displaying balance between work and play.    Squirrels pose the question of being too active or not active enough or just erratic, running around accomplishing nothing. 

Dissatisfied with my search, I poured my first cup of java  and returned to the window.  The honeysuckle bush had been filled with buds prior to last week's snow.  I had been concerned the wet snow was too heavy on the branches, but it seemed fine now.  I was happy to see a robin in the bush and I listened for a song.  Robins symbolize the spread of new growth or the initiation of creativity.

I continued to wait by the window in hopes of spotting a male cardinal to make my morning backyard survey complete.  The cardinal symbolizes renewed vitality through recognizing self-importance.  I needed to see this dash of red to add color to my life, and to remind me all that I do has importance. 

The cardinal was a 'no show', so I contented my self with the reminder that winter had officially passed, and signs of spring would soon be everywhere.  I threw on my coat and walking shoes, deciding to extend my search for spring through-out the neighborhood.  April had finally arrived and I had the need to be outside.