Spring Into Action: Find Your Green Growing Edge

There is a theme emerging during this season of spring.

It’s kind of a stirring beneath the surface, a rumbling from within, the sense that things are shaking up.

Transition is upon us.

In nature, we see this as tulips push through the thawing ground, trees awaken with lively blossoms, and farmers markets burst with new color and fresh produce. It’s the time when rain turns the world green again and wind kicks our allergies into full gear.

There is a distinct shift in the air, an expression of restlessness, a need to stretch and move, a longing for change. I hear it in people’s voices:

“I’m feeling stuck.”

“I’m busy, but why do I feel so bored?”

“I want to fulfill my potential, but I don’t even know what that means.”

“I don’t know how to get inspired.”

“I’m just not where I want to be (in work, relationships, physical health, etc.)”

The feelings expressed are some paradoxical combo of discouragement and hope, discontent and aspiration, resistance and movement, uncertainty and conviction.

Plants and animals rouse from their hibernation. People emerge from their homes.

It’s the season for music festivals and graduation parties.

This transition feels even more pronounced this year as the pandemic has officially come to an end. (We hope!)

Many are struggling with what feels safe and exactly how to reemerge after two years of interruption, retreat, and quarantine. This period has been marked, not only by physical precautions and restrictions, but also a time of respite from the hustle of professional and social pressures.

Now we find ourselves trying to reorient.

We cannot just pick up where we left off. So much happened while the world was suddenly suspended, and there have been consequences of the last two years. The pandemic has led to dramatic increases of anxiety and depression. The physical threat of the virus leaves us with residual feelings of vigilance and concern about our health and safety.

While we were forced to taper our usual activity and plans for the future, many also began a process of reassessment. The impact of Covid was referred to as the “Great Reset.” People began to reflect on what really matters to them. Over four million people have chosen not to return to their pre-Covid jobs or careers. Some opted for geographic relocation seeking out closer proximity to family and friends or a more affordable quality of life.

Like the stirrings beneath the ground or the rousing inside dormant branches in springtime, when we begin to feel grumblings of restlessness, discontent or stuckness, this also indicates regeneration, emergence, and transformation.

Spring is known as the season of rebirth and awakening which can also be associated with discomfort or “labor pains.” Whether that means stepping into the unknown, facing our doubts or fears, cultivating the seedlings of our creative aspirations, or nudging ourself out onto that green growing edge…

Reflect on what you truly want more (or less) of in your life today (this may change tomorrow or next year). Think about what makes these qualities important and meaningful to you. How would your life look and feel if you had what you truly yearn for?
Create a plan of action broken down into small, manageable steps. How can you proactively move toward what matters most to you? What can you do to refocus in case you get overwhelmed or veer offtrack?
Nurture your desires, goals, and aspirations by nourishing yourself. What replenishes your resources? What reminds you to trust, believe and be kind to yourself? What inspires and energizes you? How can you ensure you are getting what you need in order to stay engaged and mobilized through this season of growth and development?

Nature is conspiring toward possibility and potential.

As life emerges in a variety of ways, this transitional season invites us to tap into our determination, perseverance, courage, passion and purpose, so that we take advantage of the innate forces at play. The unsettling (discontented) winds scatter the seeds, rain nourishes what has been planted (planned), and warmth (self-compassion and kindness) beckons it to grow vibrant and strong.