The Promise of Spring

"What a caterpillar calls the end of the world,

the Master calls a butterfly."

Richard Bach

This past Saturday, some of us in the Tao Tribe community gathered for Qigong under the big tree at Citrusglen Park in Irvine. Because of the heavy rains that have been falling consistently all winter long, it was the first time we had been able to practice in well over a month. As we arrived, we were all greeted (literally) by thousands of Pink Lady butterflies that were floating through the park on their northernly migration. As we stood together for meditation, these soft little beings weaved between, and around us, as if joining us for our practice, creating a sense of surreal beauty as we moved into our Qigong forms. Everyone present said it was, indeed, one of the most miraculous events of their lives. It reminded all of us that Spring, and the magic of natures blossoming and new growth, was upon us, and how fortunate we were to be a part of its ancient dance.

This Wed., March 20th, the Spring Equinox will usher in the official start to Springtime, and from a Taoist perspective, this day (along with the Fall Equinox) represents the brief moment when the Yin/Yang energy is in perfect balance. This time also represents the opportunity to reawaken our own inner energy (Qi) after the long and dormant time of winter, and to engage our lives with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. As the sun makes its way back to the northern hemisphere, it brings the promise of new growth; as beautiful flowers, warm temperatures and resurgent vitality begin to move through all of nature. It also awakens the promise that, we too, are a part of these natural cycles, and can align ourselves with the powerful creative energy that is moving in the world right now.

Spring is the time to begin new projects, undertake new adventures (see last weeks blog!), plant new flowers (literally and metaphorically), exercise your body and get the Life Force moving in the direction of whatever new growth and radiant health you wish to cultivate in your life. It's also a time when our senses begin to reawaken to the miracle of Life that presents itself in each moment for our delight. All that is required is that we align ourselves with the powerful energy that is moving right now, and ride it to the destiny that awaits us. As we open to this new time of joyous growth, our own lives take on the energy of Spring, and its promise of a new day, a new way and a new and fresh start.