Celebrating Spring

All winter the seeds have been sleeping under the snow listening to the whispers of the stars, receiving a message for the spring and summer ahead. Then the warming earth encourages the seeds to poke through the soil. As they reach and stretch, the sprouting seeds burst out of their jackets. When you begin to unpack last spring’s jacket and the summer clothes, you may find that your children are also bursting out of their jackets. Their little bodies have been hidden under many layers. Now that they are popping out you can see how much they have grown in a year. What fit them just a few months ago is now too short, too tight.

After spending so many hours inside during the cold winter months, they are ready to burst out of the house as well. Spring is in the air and the children can sense it. They are ready for excitement, adventure, exploration. They are longing for the freedom to run, jump, and twirl, to discover what their bodies can do. You can take the opportunity that this transition time between winter and summer offers to explore the new and burgeoning world outside with them. The glorious Goldilocks days of spring — not too hot, not too cold, just right — no bugs and lots of sunshine and warm gentle breezes offer nourishment for the senses and the soul.

Slowly meander through your yard, a park, or nearby forest as you and your child discover each new shoot, bud, or tiny bug. Take time to welcome each new sign of spring. You need not offer any scientific information on growing processes or photosynthesis. Rather, "Oh, Crocus, I am so happy to see you again." Your children will find many new exciting things to capture their attention. If you find something special you would like them to see, you can merely point or say “Oh!” You need only stand quietly and marvel at the mystery of the world. Your child will sense the joy, wonder, reverence, and gratitude in your soul and resonate with it.

Frequently walking the same path every day enables the child to see how things change and grow. They will observe how big the new leaves have grown in just a few days or maybe even overnight. They will see over time the buds open and leaves appear. Change happens right before their eyes. These meandering walks in nature will offer you as well as your children beauty, health, joy, and connection with your child as you experience the world together. You will also be offering your child the opportunity to observe transformation as it occurs, what was a tight bud becomes a colorful blossom. The children will carry within them a picture of the earth changing, growing. This image of transformation can offer them strength in the future as they grow into adulthood. What a gift for a lifetime!