Day 187 of 365 - Rites of Spring
Do you have particular rites of spring, something you do predictably every year to mark the seasonal change?
These may be practical actions like putting away winter items, getting your bike tuned up, checking over your golf clubs for the new season or planning your garden. Or, you may do a dietary spring cleanse to commit to feeling better in your body. Your spring rite or ritual may be spiritual, such as engaging in Lenten prayers and fasting as a way of doing a personal inventory.
My home environment rites of spring are happening as a gradual process. Some changes have been made in decorative items, to display lighter colors and some cut flowers or artificial plants. Other things like spring cleaning will wait until we have more consistently warm days when windows can be opened to allow warm spring breezes to flow through. Soon though, I will do my seasonal art work change. Pieces which have been suitable for winter will be moved to less obvious locations and those which portray sunny and colorful scenes and water features will come out to the common areas.
As a more personal rite of spring I'm currently doing a program which does not involve a big time commitment on a daily basis, but does stimulate reflection and nudge me towards change. In the past, when I was more involved in church activities, the liturgical structures would provide this kind of opportunity as a matter of course, with Lenten readings, prayers and acts of sacrifice. Now it is up to me to find alternatives which suit my current life situation.
Rites and rituals are important. They acknowledge a certain level of commitment to a change in our energy. Some rituals are offerings of a gift or sacrifice to facilitate a change. Others might include the burning of incense or a candle along with incantations or prayer to engage an awareness of the life force energy beyond our own personal mind space.
Engaging in rites, rituals and practices, whether private or public, helps to expand our awareness. They remind us that we can participate in the changes of life which naturally occur. We can be co-creators in the process rather than bystanders. This is true whether we are talking about the more physical and practical activities or the more spiritual ones. We can't help but be aware of the power of nature as we open our windows or spend time outside.
What is calling your attention this spring? What would make you feel more vibrant and alive? It may be something small or something big. If you pay attention, follow it and act upon it in a way right for you, you might have your own spring awakening. Life just might show you once again, that it's always been there for you.
These may be practical actions like putting away winter items, getting your bike tuned up, checking over your golf clubs for the new season or planning your garden. Or, you may do a dietary spring cleanse to commit to feeling better in your body. Your spring rite or ritual may be spiritual, such as engaging in Lenten prayers and fasting as a way of doing a personal inventory.
My home environment rites of spring are happening as a gradual process. Some changes have been made in decorative items, to display lighter colors and some cut flowers or artificial plants. Other things like spring cleaning will wait until we have more consistently warm days when windows can be opened to allow warm spring breezes to flow through. Soon though, I will do my seasonal art work change. Pieces which have been suitable for winter will be moved to less obvious locations and those which portray sunny and colorful scenes and water features will come out to the common areas.
As a more personal rite of spring I'm currently doing a program which does not involve a big time commitment on a daily basis, but does stimulate reflection and nudge me towards change. In the past, when I was more involved in church activities, the liturgical structures would provide this kind of opportunity as a matter of course, with Lenten readings, prayers and acts of sacrifice. Now it is up to me to find alternatives which suit my current life situation.
Rites and rituals are important. They acknowledge a certain level of commitment to a change in our energy. Some rituals are offerings of a gift or sacrifice to facilitate a change. Others might include the burning of incense or a candle along with incantations or prayer to engage an awareness of the life force energy beyond our own personal mind space.
Engaging in rites, rituals and practices, whether private or public, helps to expand our awareness. They remind us that we can participate in the changes of life which naturally occur. We can be co-creators in the process rather than bystanders. This is true whether we are talking about the more physical and practical activities or the more spiritual ones. We can't help but be aware of the power of nature as we open our windows or spend time outside.
What is calling your attention this spring? What would make you feel more vibrant and alive? It may be something small or something big. If you pay attention, follow it and act upon it in a way right for you, you might have your own spring awakening. Life just might show you once again, that it's always been there for you.
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