I love spring! I love everything about it … even the rain! I love watching nature come alive. Listening to the birds chirping with excitement. Seeing the grass turn green again. Watching the crocuses and daffodils bloom. It is amazing to experience and one of the things I love most about being in a climate with distinct seasons. Spring can be fickle … 70s one day and snow flurries the next. But, it is all ok because it builds the anticipation of warm, sunny summer days.
When I was growing up, my bedroom window looked out to the giant oak tree in front of my house. The window was eye-level with the branches of the tree. At the start of spring, I would look out my window each day, waiting for tiny buds to appear on the tree. I would watch, sometimes impatiently, for that day each year when I would open my window shade, look out and see actual leaves on the tree. It seemed to happen overnight, usually after a good rain. I named that day “Pop Day”. That was the day that, lo and behold, the world was green again. I would walk around all day smiling and humming and feeling happy and in-tune with nature. I would marvel at the pure magic of that day. When my children were young, I told them about “Pop Day” and have fond memories of that day each year when we would announce to one another … Happy Pop Day!
Mindfulness is the practice of being in the moment. Being fully present. Noticing the world around you. Paying attention to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, sensations. When we are mindful, we notice things that we overlook and ignore when we are lost in thoughts about the past or future. Take some time today to go outside and look around. Notice the grass and the trees and flowers popping up. Smell spring. Listen closely to the sounds of spring. And when you do, wish yourself and the world a Happy Pop Day!
Be Mindful With Wendy 