Closure Precedes Spring

“Life moves on and so should we”

---Spencer Johnson

WHO MOVED MY CHEESE

I chose a book from my shelf to share some time with my favorite author.  When I opened the book, an envelope fell out.  I recognized it immediately from years ago.  While attending a spring ritual for a group of women, we all wrote down 'seeds' we wanted to plant in spring, hoping to see them blossom in the summer and reap rewards in the fall.  We took the small slips of paper with our intentions written down and safely sealed them in envelopes.  Our outcomes would be shared during the forthcoming winter ritual.  Apparently, we never remained focused nor experienced closure.

Gently I opened the yellowed envelope, wondering what 'seeds' I would find.  The slips of paper were still folded and dropped into my lap.  One by one I read them all.  With pleasure, I made a small pile of 'seeds' I definitely had sowed and harvested much to my pleasure.  There was one strip of paper that didn't resonate with me at all.  I could not imagine what my abbreviated words were supposed to mean.  The last piece of paper I lingered over the longest.  It was an intention I definitely did not complete, even though I know I remember working very hard at it.  It was personal in nature and held great meaning for me at that time, but now  a few years had passed and I realized it was not realistic for me at all.

The successful goals were completed as they had something specifically to do with me.  They were successful due to my creative drive and spirit.  The goal left incomplete even though effort was made, was dependent upon another person's actions.  Clearly, we are more successful when we are focused on changing our selves and not dependent upon changing another.

I then realized all of my excitement about spring coming had over shadowed closure needed for those made last spring.  We must finish before we renew.  We must let go before we begin.  We must let die so we can be reborn.  We must clean up the left over clutter before it becomes a weight in our unconscious minds.

I sat in my chair being very mindful of what  'seeds' I needed to remove from my garden.  I needed to not only weed out the weeds, but to remove aspirations that would never grow.  Sad as that seems, we must face that some things just aren't meant to be.  We must place our love and energy into what we know we can grow.  Closure  precedes spring.

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.

Finding Equal Happiness

How passionately we love everything

that cannot last:

the dazzling crystallory of winter,

the spring in bloom,

the fragile flight of the butterflies,

crimson sunsets,

a kiss,

and life.

Dean Koontz

Brother Odd

Yesterday was an euphoric entry into the magical rhythms of spring ... sunshine bursting, flowers radiant, green grass begging for bare feet, sweet fragrances floating in the air ... and all was well in my world.

People in the community were holding their hearts open in celebration of spring.  Everyone seemed to be a bit more kinder and polite towards each other by holding doors, offering smiles and seemingly happy to be alive!

In search for a few new pieces to spruce up my spring wardrobe, I encountered, much to my surprise, a professional friend I had not seen for twenty years.  She looked wonderful as she shared her accomplishments and excitedly embraced my career reporting.  I felt connected to my successful past which brought joy into my present.

When I returned to my car and settled into the driver's seat, I noticed something on my windshield.  "Oh no," I thought,  "not a ticket to ruin this perfect day!"  I climbed back out and ripped the paper from behind the windshield wiper.  What could this be?  Upon closer examination I discovered the lovely handwriting of a neglected friend.  Oh how I wish I had seen her!  Her quickly written message made me miss her all the more.

Upon arriving back at the house, I bustled in vibrating with all of the energies from this lovely spring day.  Writing in my journal,  I leisurely expressed my thoughts about the unfolding of this spring day.  I sadly realized that this foray into spring bliss, as other things I surely love, couldn't sustain these feelings much longer.  

The sun would once again sink into the horizon, and the graceful appearance of the moon would glide across the star lit sky.  Begrudgingly, I would leave the porch swing and find my way to bed.  I would place my fantasy spun memories to rest in hopes of finding equal happiness tomorrow.

New Beginnings of Spring

The cool wind blew in my face

and all at once

I felt I had shed dullness from myself.

The birds were singing.

It was spring.

Burl Ives

 

Spring is here and I feel as though I have just awakened from a long winter's nap.  The birds are all singing and the grass is greening while the flowers are making their debut.  Once again I feel a joy, a connection with all of life.  I am ready to begin again, to plant seeds and nurture them for creative growth.  My energy is coursing through my body and I am excited to move forward again!


On small slips of paper, I have written down all of the 'shoulds' in my life (I should attend ... I should call ...) and placed them in a small brown paper bag.  I went out to the garden and buried the sack below the rich garden soil.

There is newly found freedom in letting these 'shoulds' go.  A heaviness has been lifted and I excitedly wonder how my life will grow.  I want it to unfold without structure or obligations, to just gently flow. 

I long for Spirit to move me through the mysteries of nature and into the creative silence I have known as bliss.  During the day, I will wait in the white wicker rocker with sunshine on my face.  I will linger on the porch swing of the evening, watching as the moon slowly glides across the sky.  Even in dream time, I will maintain an awareness for the new beginnings of spring.