What Are You Becoming?

It’s spring, and the beautiful flowers and trees has me thinking of freshness, cultivation, growth and clearing out winter.

All those plants that have been waiting underground are suddenly erupting through the soil with their beauty. The daffodil that was once a small bulb is now a sunny, bright beacon of warmer weather to come.

March is a transition time - everything starts to speed up and burst forth. It can feel like a giant windy WHOOSH has come through our lives in March. By April everything is moving at a new, faster speed.

That can feel a bit destabilizing, so I find it useful to use March to get in touch with what I’m cultivating in my own life.

Just as daffodil bulbs become pretty flowers, we can begin to cultivate what we want to become.

Start by asking yourself:

In what ways do I want to grow?

Where in my life am I cultivating something new?

You might want to change jobs,

or relationships,

or to read more,

or take a walk outside each day

or cultivate patience.

Start by listing a few ways in which you would like to grow.

Now ask:

What do I need to support this new growth?

Growth takes time, energy and the right supports. For plants this means the right amount of sun, rain and nutrients.

What kinds of supports will act as your sunlight, rain or compost?

Maybe you need more time,

or someone to help you,

or to set boundaries.

Get specific on your needs, even if they seem extravagant or unattainable.

And, in a few months, some of the beautiful spring plants will need to be pruned back in order to thrive.

What might you need to prune?

You have to thin the baby leaves if you eventually want full-sized radishes.

The same is true for our own growth.

Pruning gives plants a chance to concentrate energy to produce big things. Without pruning, a tomato plant yields less fruit. Without dividing, irises begin to flower less.

You might need to prune some work meetings,

or a fear or belief that holds you back

or a relationship

or a lack of boundaries

or your wish that something would fix itself (almost never happens on its own).

Finally, put your plan into action.

Determine what you want to grow, ask for the supports you need, and prune what’s standing in your way.

Then stand back and admire your beautiful garden.

Let me know what you’re growing!