Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Vitality

by Leigh


There are a lot of things about spring that I love, but one of my absolute favorites is when new foliage begins to emerge.  Just when you think that everything is dead here comes spring.  

"Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist, but the ability to start over." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald 

In spring we are starting fresh...starting over.  Bulbs planted in the dead of winter break through the bare ground giving us bursts of color.  Leaves open very delicately and deliberately.  Fern fronds and Hostas seem to unravel right before our eyes.


It seems a bit redundant, but there is such a delicate nature to nature. Spring is the time of renewal.  A time for cleaning out, clearing out and making way for fresh possibilities.  It's our time also to begin again.  Not only is nature something for us to enjoy, but it can also be our teacher in the rhythm of our life.


Earth teach me stillness
as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring
as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation
as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom
as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration
as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep with rain.
— Ute prayer



 

5 comments:

Carol said...

I love so many Native American poems. They are so filled with reverence and peace. Your spring pics are always the best, especially the red leaves framed by the door light . Really wonderful way to start my day. Thank you Leigh.

terriporter said...

Oh, my! Your photos are so representative of spring! I also love the new tiny leaves as much as the flowers that bloom. I don't think there's anything that is more hopeful than the way Mother Nature makes everything new again in the spring!

Dotti said...

This morning as I walked out to get the paper, I noticed all the little green leaves and buds coming along. Our lilac seems to double its leaf size daily, at least! The early trees are a vibrant green. The buds on our maple, red and getting closer to "ready". Yes, it is an amazing time of year. But we need to open our hearts and eyes to the wonder around us or it will be lost.

Lovely post and even lovelier photos, Ms. Love!

Liz said...

Wow! Such stunning images and wonderful insight. Spring is one my favourite season!

kelly said...

Leigh this post is like a breath of fresh air!

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