Celebrate Spring!

People complain about winter a lot - that it is so long and miserable and gray, but for me this wasn't such a long and miserable and gray winter at all. It was miserable at times, and gray for a few months straight, but nothing worth complaining about. In fact, I feel that I made a fantastic trade moving from New Hampshire to northern Germany because at least here winters last only during the appropriate months of December, January and February into mid March and then they end at the appropriate time as well...and we have a proper spring. April showers do bring May flowers, it's true, so we'll have rain soon enough, but the temperature is increasing and the daylight is sticking around much longer each day and on the 27th we will "spring forward" and move our clocks an hour ahead so that we can hold on to even more daylight. Ah, bliss.

There is still snow on the ground back in New Hampshire and my mother called yesterday to report that more had fallen. Now that, my local German friends who think your winters are soooo terrible, is the definition of a long winter! Snowfall at the end of March -- oh yes. I remember in 2009 that we had snow on the ground until the end of April. But then we moved and here I am in Hannover living where we have a proper four seasons of equal length and I LOVE IT.

In Hannover, I finally like springtime. Not only does it happen here (in New Hampshire it isn't consistently spring-like until May), but living along a huge forest definitely makes the changes in the season much more noticeable and beautiful to me. In fact, after living near a natural forest this large in an urban environment I doubt I could live elsewhere without a nearby wooded area to experience on a daily basis. I feel so in touch with my natural surroundings and spiritual side like never before and it's invigorating and enlightening. It's one thing to take a hike now and then, but to be in the forest on a regular basis is healing and special.

When the first snow had fallen last year, I walked in the forest to observe the freshen fallen fairy dust glistening in the winter sun. I heard the crunch of it beneath my feet and enjoyed seeing the once naked tree branches covered in sparkling white powder painting gorgeous silhouettes across indigo skies. I noticed the frozen ponds with their crackle patterns and took in the fresh, cold air that cleared my senses. I could smell the chimneys from nearby houses and hear the neighboring church bells. And when the snow melted just a few weeks ago, the forest turned very gray... some could say it had lost its beauty -- but I found much beauty -- not in my surroundings but inside of me as the colorless surroundings caused me to look inward and think about my own direction, my values, my life. I observed the dozens of crows in towering trees and felt the wind in my hair as I would walk swiftly trying to heat up -- tossing ideas into the ear of my dear friend, receiving inspiration from her in return. Or I'd walk with my husband, sharing stories and passions and dreams. I'd always walk briskly so that I wouldn't freeze from the bitter cold. My cheeks rosy and cold to the touch though I was always kept warm inside by my thoughts and dreams as the comfort of the gray, sleepy forest gave me much-needed feelings of peace and quiet (and ideas!) after all of the festivities packed in to weeks worth of Christmas markets and snow. Oh German markets... how you are filled with sights, sounds, smells (mostly of hot spiced wine) and tastes (Banana-Nutella crepes, anyone?).

It turns out that the final weeks of winter when it is gray each day and you feel absolutely sick of looking out each day to a colorless environment is when you experience an inner shift that is unlike anything I'd ever felt. It's not only about to change season, but it's a sign that you're about to have a rebirth of your own.

And now, spring is here and the signs of her awakening are all around but also inside of ME. I approached the forest today in anticipation because I knew I'd see first signs of her beauty and it inspired me. New ideas started to pop into my mind as I walked. The trees, still naked, showed her coming as sprigs of tiny ivy creeping up massive ridged bark surrounded some of them. The air was fresh and clear, with a hint of green. Crocus could be seen popping up through old Autumn leaves. The sun was warm and comforting. My plans felt attainable, my goals in view. Park benches were no longer empty and playgrounds alive with laughter. I felt focused on my inners and my outers. And the smell! I cannot describe how green smells, but when you smell it you know it -- it's grass and dirt combined, it's the leaves from the nearby daffodils, the buds on trees. The smell only strengthens over time as withered leaves fade on the forest floor to reveal fresh, green blades of glass. Trees will soon get dressed for a most special occasion - the celebration of their renewal.

And so with that I say, welcome to you dear spring! And if you live locally and felt her friendly greetings this week as well, I hope you have stopped to take the time to really observe the presence of nature's gifts that are all around you. Celebrate her arrival, celebrate spring!

(images: holly becker)