The Purpose of Spring

Ah spring! The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, the air is fresh and clean. Nature is renewed again and it’s a smorgasbord of delights for our senses.

It makes me ponder on the purpose of spring.

While I see winter as a time of rest and going within; fall as a time to shed things that are no longer needed and summer a reminder to engage in carefree play, spring is a time of new growth and new life.

But it’s more than that.

Spring reminds us to take notice of all the little details around us – the colors, the scents, the sounds – it provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness each time we step out our doors.

Today, take a walk outdoors and notice the smallest details – a bug scurrying across your path, the various chirps, the tiniest new growth on trees, the multitude of shades in one color. Feel the sun or wind or rain on your face.

Then take that mindfulness with you.Continue noticing the small details throughout your day. You just may carry the delight of the season with you.

New Life
The delightful scene I found on my walk today.

The Power of Positive

We all have the power to create positive experiences in our lives.

In each moment, we can make a choice. We can walk away from negative situations and surround ourselves with people who are uplifting. If that isn’t possible, we can send our love and blessings to difficult situations, infusing a positive light into it.

Everything we think, say or do has a ripple effect in our lives and those around us.

We can learn much from a conscious communication practice rooted in Buddhist tradition. Before you speak, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Is what I’m about to say kind?
  2. Is it true?
  3. Is it necessary?
  4. Does it improve upon the silence?

If you can answer yes to all four questions, then your words will resonate with love.