The date on the calendar tells me that we just had our Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring is starting… Well, it does not really feel like Spring to me… Sure the days are getting longer. Day light savings time went into effect. It is not so cool and Wintery these days. But, and there is a Big But, it does not quite feel like Spring to me. The birds are nesting. The trees are blooming as well as my allergies. This year we seem to have a new outbreak of man made conflict and this takes some of the Spring optimism out of the air I breathe. We have been allowed to take our Covid masks off but plenty of fear and anxiety are still available. People still look at each other a bit fearful or at least questioning whether you can trust that you will not contract a disease. Our politicians are still ranting about a long since decided presidential election with threats of impending chaos in the next elections. The economy is booming along but inflation is soaring. And, unlike most years, I am not considering breeding as I have often considered in past years… Yup, having more children in my 72nd year seems less “a thing” this year. Perhaps I am just getting old.

I am excited to begin to return to my face to face social lifestyle but, as I have said, I am in a Covid habit of questioning the safety of hugging all my friends and family. Hey, I still hug but there is a question in the corners of my mind. My hearing is not getting better so social conversations can be a bit more frustrating for me. That is not the fault of 2022 yet it adds to the frustration and isolation of 2022 life. On a positive note, I am spending more time and money on my newish hobby of woodworking. Time considering my projects at 3:00 AM where every thing I try comes out perfect, is wonderful… Until, I actually touch my projects. Woodworking, for me, is creative and full of problem solving and, of course, YouTube video watching. It is time alone but it is a new challenge for me. Though this Spring, I have yet to drop a table seed into the ground, water it, and see a new table sprouting up from the meticulously tilled soil. I do get to walk around and visit my wood table’s relatives and ancestors as I hike through my local forests in meditation and contemplation. I covet those 100 foot downed trees and want to take them back to my garage workshop and mill these into lovely projects but I do not have the strength or room for my wooden friends of the forest. They will have to remain out in the cool, damp Spring a bit longer.

Germinating deep within me are the seeds of gratitude, unconditional love and acceptance, and the excited and questioning Beginners Mind. At this stage of this life, it is easier for me to feel, if not see, the perfection of the souls I pass and the deepest unknown connections to the Divine which we all share. My lessons are still obvious in maintaining Equanimity. As I age I am finding the nature and truth of Impermanence a “knowing” that seems to be getting stronger. My lack of patience can get in my way of being most fully present, but at least I have Awareness and can laugh at my impatience. No matter what happens in this human drama in the Spring of 2022, I will follow the path of service and attempt to offer unconditional Love, as my resources allow. So, let me remind you that YOU are Loved! You are a Blessing! You are are a unique and important Miracle and you fill your role Perfectly in the Divine Universe. Thank you for being YOU! Celebrate the new births of our Spring and dance in Gratitude for all the blessing we have, even the difficult challenges that test and teach us.

Let the Love and Light within your soul and Spirit brighten the path for the pilgrims you encounter on your path. And, remember to share your wisdom and your stories…