THE BOLD: (Fresh Starts and New Beginnings)
The world gives us a few natural reminders that fresh starts are part of life. Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most potent models for refreshment, renewal and starting something new.
The Whisper: (Time for a Spring Adventure)
Let’s make the most of this season. Here are five adventures to consider to celebrate Spring:
Adventure 1: Take a Spring Mindfulness Walk
As the leaves begin to unfold on their branches and the flowers begin to pop from buds to full display, our local parks and green spaces come to life. However, even on a walk in the woods, our cares and concerns can distract us from the view.
You can decide to use your brain and your senses to be more present and less distracted. Find ways to focus your attention on the experience that you are having in the moment.
You might hold a theme or a question in your mind as you amble in nature. You could try, “How many shades of green are there?” or “Which of these trees reminds me of my life?” By being deliberate about your focus, you can help to stay present and open to learn what the Spring landscape may reveal.
Occasionally, stop walking. What do you see? Iis the wind flirting with the leaves? What can you hear? What do you smell? How is the sunlight filtering down to the ground? This is Spring. This is your life here on earth. This is the moment before it flies.
Adventure 2: Photograph to Frame Spring Beauty
Do you know what it is about the world outside your window that you love most? Use the camera on your smartphone to frame up what you are seeing. By composing a shot, you are editing what you don’t wish to see and highlighting what you do. Hold the camera close to the ground to take flower photos. Experiment with perspective and distance. Play with light and shadow.
I took the flower image above on a walk at the National Arboretum last week. It was one small cluster of flowers on a big, beautiful flowering bush. I was amazed to see one blossom that was a darker shade than all the others. The same day, I captured this riot of red blooms. I also discovered that the portrait function on my camera works well with flowers. Learning and appreciation of beauty, all at the same time.
Use your camera lens to refine your focus and to learn more about what you are seeing.
Adventure 3: Rainy Day Artwork
Though April showers may come your way…
When the weather prevents outside adventuring, we have a perfect invitation to play indoors, with color and paper and scissors and fabric–to explore with art.
Art can be figurative–draw flowers by drawing a circle and building petals all around. Art can be color and shape and texture. Doodle and play with pens or pencils. Art can be meaningful. Select images from magazines that speak to you and build a collage.
Spring is a season of beauty. New, fresh, green leaves and bright, velvety flower petals. Blue, blue skies and tentative, warm sunshine. Enjoy it. The bold life whispers with grace. By being aware of the beauty that surrounds us, we can nurture the grace that soothes us as we face the discomfort our bold decisions may bring.
Leave a Reply