Monday, April 8, 2013

Has Spring Sprung?

by Dotti


One of the fun things about our group, bloggers and readers alike, is the diversity of our geographic locations. Some of us live in places that are mostly warm year round; some live in places that are rainy much of the year; others live in the desert region; and some live in cold climates where spring has yet to make a peep.

Although I’m not overly fond of winter, I still like living in an area where there are four distinct seasons. Each season is unique; each season contributes to the life cycle of nature. Waiting impatiently for spring … as I do every year … I recently began thinking about this a bit.

It seems that lately my creativity has been on hiatus, my camera gathering dust. The thing is this happens toward the end of winter every year, like clockwork. That’s when the proverbial light bulb came on. We all remember from high school science that winter is the time of dormancy when the earth stores its energy for the renewal of spring.

When spring comes, the earth seems to come alive again right before our very eyes. The grey landscape begins to adorn itself with the beauty of spring. Grass turns green … bringing out the gardeners and lawn mowers … early flowers reappear bringing with them glorious color which is eye candy for photographers. My spirit soars when my garden starts showing some color again. Before long, the scene around me is bursting with new life, new color … new hope. And I am filled with creative energy.



Creativity is like the life cycles of nature. We need periods of rest so that our creative spirits can store up energy for the next burst of productivity. When the flowers begin to pop up around me, my creativity blossoms and flourishes, my spirit is renewed. The color and scents excite my senses.

This is just like people, too, don't you think? As much as we’d like to, we know that we can’t go at full tilt for 365 days a year. It’s necessary to our well being to restore our minds, our bodies, and our spirits with rest. We’ve all tried to skip this step, haven’t we? I think women, in particular, are guilty of this. We always want to squeeze in “just one more” task, pushing to the point of exhaustion.

We would be wise to step back, to nourish our bodies, our souls and our mind, to take time to restore all our systems. When we shortchange the process, we’re really shortchanging ourselves and our families. I also have a sneaking suspicion that we’re shortchanging our creative souls, as well.


So … what about you? Have you noticed the seasons of nature affecting your creativity? Maybe you’re a person who is energized by the snow and cold weather. We’re all different, we all respond to different stimuli but one thing is sure: we require periods of rest to allow for periods of growth.

13 comments:

AFishGirl said...

Wonderful photographs, Dotti, and a bang on post, bang on. We live in a culture that does not support quiet and calm and times of rest, deep and true rest. And it's vital. Too much emphasis on getting it all done with no attention to listening to our bodies when they say, "stop, rest." A very timely post. And like you, I will be happy to see some colour. It's getting a green in the woods but the rest of here is still pretty dull colored.
Happy Monday FOLers.
Pam

heyjudephotography said...

Oh Dotti, you took the words right out of my mouth! Although winter is not my favorite season, I do run out at the first snow(s) to capture the quiet beauty. But come January, oh boy, I've had it, and I too go into this dormancy you speak about. I love the way you equate this to the dormancy in nature. Spring has actually realized that it's supposed to be here now, and some color has started to emerge. I'm beginning to feel that creative feeling again - after what seems to have been a longggg dormancy.

Cathy H. said...

So true, Dotti! So many of us don't take the time to rest. I tend to be energized in the winter and rest in the summer. I don't like heat! Although, in the winter it's more of challenge to find things in nature to photograph. We don't even get much snow here. I have to look really hard, but I love to be outside when it's cold!

Roxi H said...

Lovely photos and texturing. rest can be hard. the mind doesn't like to be quiet most times. (Until it just checks out and you can't think straight)

Jeanne said...

Beautiful shots, and so wise in thinking of winter as a time of inner renewal! I also love having 4 distinct seasons!

Linda said...

So true! We do need to take some time to re-energize! I get the winter blues/slump too and anxiously look forward to spring!

CarolHart said...

Lovely images and sound words Dotti. I used to run myself ragged trying to fit it all in. These days I seem to be more laid back. Perhaps a bit of wisdom does come with age!

terriporter said...

Love all your beautiful spring photos! My "slump" time comes in the middle of summer when it is just too hot to be outside shooting. But come the cooler temperatures and my waning creativity sparks again. I so agree that it is like the seasons in nature -- dormant and then coming to life. I am relishing every moment of spring before I go "dormant" for the summer!

Deanna said...

Oh, so agree with the slump time. After the snow melts and no signs of spring is my downer time so this trip to Arizona has renewed my spirit, and given me nice color on my cheeks as well. I so enjoyed your comparison of the seasons to ourselves...they always say Mother (Nature) knows best. Hugs!! Wish you were here enjoying this with us.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

We definitely have 4 seasons but Summer has been missing for the last few years it's been wet and overcast . I feel very dormant I'm just waiting for some sunshine .....

kelly said...

totally agree with you and everyone else...right now spring is in hte air in my neck of the woods and my soul just could not be happier. so much hope and possibility.

Susan W said...

Lovely images. Winter and January just suck the life out of me.

Kim Stevens said...

We may not have snow here, but the grass turns brown, and the leaves fall with the temps. Spring is probably my most favorite time of year, followed by beach time in the summer to keep cool! We have had spring springing around here for quite a while now, and all our trees are completely green!

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