I’m starting this newsletter a little bit later than usual today. It’s not because I forgot or was busy with everyday things; it’s because the essence of time has completely changed.
Have you noticed it too?
That one day it’s March 1 and then all of a sudden it’s April 1. Not only do the months fly by, but the days, hours, and minutes are also in a very big hurry.
Not only is time hurtling on, but events are happening in our families, community, city, province, country, and the world at an amazing rate. We hear one thing, and before we get a chance to digest it, something else pops into our awareness. Our attention is being pulled in countless directions at once. It’s confusing, unsettling, frustrating, and bewildering
It leaves us with a basket full of questions. Why is this happening? What does it mean? When will it end? How will it end? What will be left? What will the future hold? What does this mean for my family and me, and the list goes on?
One thing we must be careful about is not getting stuck in these never-ending questions or scenarios. It’s okay to be aware of what is going on around us and in the world. In fact, it’s important to be aware of what is happening. However, it is necessary to exercise discernment in deciding where to focus.
I have always been curious about events taking place around the world. This probably comes from all the years I lived in different countries. And as I watch national and world events, I try not to get too entangled in taking sides because there are too many loose ends out there, and no one knows where they begin or end. But I do pay attention because I am curious to see what’s next and how it will unfold.
I also know when it’s time to tune out all that chaos, pay attention to the world around me, and focus my curiosity on the coming of spring.
It’s time to change my focus!
You can also change your focus.
We can turn our focus towards the longer hours of sunlight we have each day. We can respond to the tug within us that is pulling us outside.
As the snow melts, the ice clears, and the puddles disappear, one can begin to turn one’s focus to the signs of spring.
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- The green shoots of grass peaking out from the edge of a snowbank.
- The honking can be heard as the geese are flying back from the south.
- The furry grey pussy willows adorning the willows trees.
- Tiny buds emerging on tree branches.
- The first sighting of a robin.
- Purple crocus flowers spreading joy.
- Those green thumbs are looking forward to getting into the garden and planting seeds.
- Calves, colts, kids, cubs and babies of all kinds are being born and joining us in this realm.
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Have you started to notice these?
How will you change your focus this month?
Here is a poem from Earthmonk to help you change your focus.
April Glimmers
Watching butterflies dancing in the breeze.
Bird song at the end of the day.
Lighter evenings stretching lightly into the night,
bright blue skies that lift your mood.
New shoots and flowers quietly emerging.
Trees turning green before your eyes.
Coffee in the morning sunshine.
April showers and beautiful rainbows.