It's spring in some parts of the world and for many people it is a time to celebrate beauty, freshness, abundance, and hope. Mother Nature is in full bloom and all that brightness and brilliant colors inspire and excite us. Spring also means change and new beginnings -- from a season of cold, we enter a brand new day.
However, we need to be ready to move forward by way of spring cleaning our minds and hearts. It's time to ask ourselves these questions: What did I learn about myself in the winter time? What lessons will I take with me on this new day? What are the things I should leave behind? We can't move forward lightly if we are stuck in old ways that serve us no longer.
Bask in the blessings of spring by opening your heart and mind to the nurturing energies of this season. Make your hopes and dreams known, and move forward with confidence because your wishes are within reach. Your mindfulness practice will help immensely in opening your heart and mind, and in moving on with confidence.
Mindfulness -- paying attention to the present moment -- will help us understand that we have to let go of the past and future in order to fully enjoy the fruits of the present moment. Being mindful will help us appreciate the gifts of spring even more. As we breathe in silence, we become one with the bright green trees, the life giving sun, the earth that nurtures all life, and the radiance of nature around us.
Cultivating a "beginner's mind" also helps. It is about being open and non-judgmental in approach and attitude, like a beginner. Shunryu Suzuki said, "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few". To open your life up to the wonders of spring, it pays to have a curious mind and a humble heart.