Slowing down and observing the shifts in seasons over this past year has been a great gift. The months have not melted into one as they used to; instead, they have been punctuated by the different energies that emerge with the seasonal change.
As someone who revels in the warmth of the sun, winters always present a challenge for me. However, after two years away from experiencing a UK winter, I decided to fully embrace the season, relishing in cozy evenings and warm wooly jumpers.
In the last few weeks as the shifts towards Spring emerged, I noted I had been clinging onto the coziness of winter, and a somewhat stagnant energy had cocooned itself around me.
Spring brings a vibrant energy, a symphony of exhilarating sounds and scents, vibrant colour and scenery; as nature unveils the stirring signs of new life.
I realised I too needed to embrace the transition into a new season.
I was in Suffolk over the weekend, observing the increasing number of birds in the sky returning for Spring. Bird migration is one of the great wonders of the natural world.
I wondered, how do they know when it is time to embark on their journey?
“A bird's body tells it exactly when to migrate. Each year, at the same time, glands in its body release hormones into its system.” (RSPB)
It's a remarkable example of innate wisdom guiding behaviour for survival. Birds navigate through unfamiliar territories, relying on landmarks, mountain passes, and rivers to guide them, all while facing various risks along the way.
Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but draw parallels to our own lives. Much like birds, our bodies communicate with us, offering wisdom through gut feeling and intuition - our instincts - telling us when it is time to shift, expand, and grow.
Yet, for many of us, fear often inhibits our expansion. It stems from past experiences, shaping our perceptions and reactions to present situations. Often holding us in a familiar routine, even when our bodies are signalling for change.
Research by Arash Javanbakht, suggests the importance of grounding ourselves in our bodies, particularly when our thoughts lead us towards fear.
While humans possess the remarkable ability to reflect on the past and plan for the future, this capability can also be a burden, pulling us away from the present moment.
As Spring approaches, could you make more time to be present, for introspection, guided by the hope and cheer of Spring?
Are there signals your body is offering? To embark on a new adventure, embrace change, or step into a new season of life?
Whether it is a big adventure or a small step forward, it is your path, your pace. Embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and take that first step.
Just like the birds in the sky, it might be time to spread your wings.
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