Feeling Spring

There are so many ways that I feel the coming of spring. Spring and Fall are always major events for my body, mind and spirit - I always "feel" them coming within my whole being. I cherish those experiences and am always pleasantly surprised when my body starts to sense it. I attribute my being tuned in and sensitive to the changes to quiet sitting and movement practices, and keeping with nature as much as possible. Growing up camping and spending summers outdoors in the mountains helped as well I am sure.

Feeling the seasons is a wonderful practice for the human creature, though saying that seems odd, doesn't it, considering that we all can be tuned in to our planet's energy and normal cycling (as well as our own). I enjoy witnessing how the sunrise changes, how the sunshine enters my home at different times. I enjoy experiencing how as the day moves along the energy of the area shifts, how people and animals have times of rest and activity, and how I feel at each period of the day. The natural places I frequent have a rhythm of their own, with different times of shade and heat, wind, animal movement, and general activity. All of these daily things I experience, I can attribute to enhanced feeling of the seasons shifting. With meditation and other practices, that awareness has only grown stronger.

It is a joy to watch my 16 month old daughter eager to go outside each day. I watch and wonder what animals she will be drawn to, what tree she will want to touch, or leaf she will pick up. My earliest memories were of being outside in parks or feeding the ducks. I can't wait to take her camping this year. And as spring approaches, my thoughts turn to being outside hiking and gardening. I find my spirit rising and my energy growing.

I believe that being closer to our natural world is invaluable and is necessary for health and well being. This spring I encourage everyone to feel more than ever - to feel how the shifting season changes you and your world. Sit for a few minutes and watch the sun set or rise. Watch and listen and feel while you eat lunch outside. Observe.

Let nature wash over you and absorb you into the landscape. Unite and feel as one, if only for a moment.