Surviving the Beauty of Spring

I’ve heard that April is one of the cruelest months of the year. A time when nature is coaxing animals out of hibernation, encouraging seeds to break from their protective shells and prodding people out of their comfortable cozy patterns in life. This is the nature of spring and its’ essence of transformation and renewal. If we look around, it’s easy to see that every other aspect of nature is affected by spring, why should we assume that we’re not? Sometimes we’re just at the mercy of nature, and spring is a good reminder of that fact. No matter our current state, this time of the year indicates that change is upon us. People struggle with this time of the year, and if you look around, you may see that some of those you know are having a rough time with this transformation. Sometimes we’re strong, happy and content. Other times we feel weak, sad and vulnerable. We experience this reciprocity so that we can relate to those who depend on us in times of need. If you’re currently strong, reach out to someone who is weak. If you’re weak approach a friend who is strong. Because in time, the tables will turn.

If you find that the world makes you want to curl up on the fetal position, with the desire to sleep away your despair, you can assume that someone has awoken from the same sleep, refreshed and renewed. In the struggle to survive, we forget how to live. After periods of determination and dedication to our own cause, we side with the practices and philosophies that make the most sense in life and that make us seem the strongest. We align ourselves with the eternal and welcome strife and challenge. But sometimes, we get knocked down and we look up and see the rest of the world zooming by us and realize that the expansion of the universe does not wait for anyone. We feel as if no one is going to pause for us when we’re trying to get back up and brush off the dirt and wipe away the blood. If you’re ever in this moment, stop to reflect upon the fact that you’re not the only one that’s been knocked to the ground by life. Extract that feeling of helplessness and exalt it. Other people are experiencing this same discord right now. Strangers, loved ones, friends and family all have these same moments and likely have the same feelings of doubt, vulnerability and hopelessness. Maybe they are still looking up waiting for the world to slow down for a moment so they can have a chance to get up. Maybe all they need is a helping hand, or a word of encouragement.

When you’re back on your feet, and still fresh with the feeling that you’re a mortal being, take a look around, there are others that aren’t strong enough to stand up on their own. Before you begin to sprint to catch up with the rest of the world, take one breath to say something encouraging. Extend one arm to help someone regain their composure. Use all your strength to throw someone over your shoulder. Take flight with your new-found alliance. The next time you fall, they could be the only people with enough appreciation to pick you back up.