Spring Forward

It’s time to come out of hibernation. Spring is here and it’s the season for movement. Look into the mirror that Mother Nature is holding up to you. See the reflections of the processes of growth, renewal and transformation in her infinite garden and in yours, too.

Spring your life forward by applying the principles of spring gardening—a powerful metaphor to live by! First, fertilize the soil. Healthy soil allows room for things to move through it with ease. Secondly, prune and cut away. Removing decay encourages new growth and flowering. Remember, the things you’ve cut away from your life provide rich compost in which to plant new seeds.

Thirdly, design your dream garden— the landscape of your life. Contemplate the desired outcome of the seeds you sow, for like the old Spanish proverb, “More grows in the garden than the gardener sows.” Decide which creatures you’d like to visit —butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, ladybugs, long-lost family members or potential partners—then plant their favorite things. Mix flashes of colors that’ll make an appearance only once with those that always return. For inspiration, complete your design with a white lotus pond as a reminder that like the lotus, we too grow exquisitely from muddy waters!

Now it’s time to peel off the dirty gloves and turn your attention to the spring renewal of the gardener!

Begin the renewal of your life by stepping out of the box of routine. For example, fill the mind with new ideas and viewpoints; travel somewhere you’ve never been before; celebrate your birthday in a way you’ve never dared to, and take a chance on a new friend. Remember also to renew your fundamental choices as well as your dreams.

As always, nature shows us the way home, so take a deep breath of fresh spring air and let it push out the old and renew what remains!