Happy Spring Equinox

Honouring this time of vernal turning

Greetings, dear Sunny Optimists.

Wishing you a beautiful Spring Equinox time, when the day and the night are of equal length. It is a time of transition, where from now on, the days get longer, and the weather improves. Vernal means of or relating to spring, and it can also used more figuratively to describe something that feels fresh, new, or youthful, similar to the feeling of springtime. So now we move from the quieter reflective time of Winter to the stirring into the action of spring. There is often a sizzle at this time of year as our attention shifts to being ready for the seeds to start to bud.

You may remember that last December, I shared with you a series of Winter dreaming contemplations that led us to gather our ‘Seeds of Intention’ for 2024. Like the acorn, each of our seeds holds a blueprint that guides us to its manifestation. It is a magical and mysterious process. Our intentions have been secretly germinating over the last three months. It is time to move these seedlings into the light so they can mature into their fullness come Summer. You can see the fertile earth holding each little seedling in the image below. Humans, too, need a nurturing environment to encourage our intentions to blossom. One powerful way to do this is to spend time with nature. We need to slow down, open our senses, and be with the wisdom that resides in the natural world. 

Photo courtesy of xiaocong-yan on Unsplash.

And so, today, I invite you to go out for a walk to look for signs of Spring. As you set out on your walk, activate your senses and feel yourself settling into the present moment. Let all thoughts fall away. Look out for the buds on the trees, the spring flowers, and the birds arriving or leaving on their annual migrations. Look to the sunlight and feel the warmth of the air.

Just Meander :)

There is nowhere to be, no destination; just enjoy whatever is around you. After a while, it might be nice to stop and think about your 2024 intentions. What is unfolding? What next? Take a notebook with you and write down any insights you gain. I wish you a beautiful time.

A wee addendum to brighten your day

Yesterday, a link to the film below came into my email box, and it really did lighten my day. Directors Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers follow a small team responsible for repairing and maintaining over 80,000 musical instruments for students in the Los Angeles public schools. Their work highlights the importance of keeping music education alive for the students. I loved it, and it brought tears to my eyes. Mmmmm.

On March 10th this year, the film won a 2024 Academy Award for Best Short Documentary. It is a joyful celebration of talent, dedication, and hope. As one person said in the comments section on YouTube, '"They aren't repairing instruments—they are repairing kids, repairing families, repairing communities. And, last but not least, they are repairing themselves. What a beautiful film.'" 

I invite you to share this film with your family and friends. Having information that brightens our day and celebrates goodness is so needed at this time.

Wishing you a happy day

Ann