Spring Is Springing!

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Trish Hall

Several years ago, I adopted a practice of noticing.  I embraced it as a spiritual practice, and my intention was/is to stay alert to notice the little things as well as the grand displays. 

Last week, when we were driving into the District we encountered unexpectedly heavy traffic, then realized why there was so much congestion.  The cherry blossoms were astounding!  Great swaths of white and pinkish white blossoms in all directions.  I have never seen them more radiant.  They were putting on a captivating show, and the totally entranced gawkers were drinking it in.

There is a concept, “what you focus upon expands” … in your awareness and your experience.  Coming from my spiritual practice, I rephrase that to what I notice expands me. 

Social and public media currently place so much attention on what is not life-affirming, that it creates a magnetic attraction, drawing attention to itself.  It is said that “energy flows where attention goes.”  How much of your energy are you allowing to be captured by media?  Ask yourself if that is how you want to expend the precious moments of your life.

Calling upon my noticing practice, I have been celebrating the fact that nature flows through its seasons with no regard for media attention.  The cherry blossoms didn’t care whether they had media coverage – which of course they did.  Their exuberance was enthralling.  In our neighborhood, as the blossoms have begun to cycle and fall, we have vast expanses of white carpets that look much like snow.  The leaves on my volunteer cherry tree have popped out unfurling toward the sun.  Our lawn is verdant.  The leaves on several bushes in our back yard that turned yellow in the heavy winter frost now appear as adornments on the fresh green of new growth. 

Oh, and the birds – the wrens, woodpeckers, cardinals, doves, finches and so many more!  We have resident birds that winter with us, and migratory varieties – some arriving for the summer and others are stopping for nourishment on their journey further north.

Spring is springing!  I am so grateful to be noticing how life has awakened.  Even the yellow-jackets and flies are making their presence known.  My energy is flowing in the celebration of nature.  I find peace in a world that is all too often exhibiting turmoil.  I consciously choose where I place my attention.  I embrace nature and celebrate the birthing and expansion of the season!  I invite you to join me in awe at how radiantly nature gifts us with its beauty.

This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.