Is your spring energy more like cherry blossom or spring bulbs?
Whichever it is, you're on to a winner!
This past week I was feeling a little frustrated that my Spring energy hadn’t quite kicked in. I was impatient to experience that surprising rush of boundless energy that longer days and unexpected warm, bright sunshine usually sparks in me.
The change in weather was drawing me into my garden though, where I noticed that it was taking a long time for the bulbs to flower. The green leaves seem to have been here forever; what was taking so long?
This question continued to pull at me, eventually, the penny dropped that the leaf stage was essential to healthy, vibrant, abundant flowers. This stage is nourishing the bulb; the leaves are photosynthesising and converting the sunshine into energy that will feed the growth of the flowers.
Aha, all was well. Not only with the bulbs….the flowers are coming….but also with me. My time for blossoming is coming too. I put away my frustration and worry, and instead began to focus on nourishing myself in the Spring sunshine:
I walked to the park and sat reading and soaking up the warmth; with my favourite coffee and a breakfast treat.
I mindfully hung out the first fresh air-dried load of washing of the year.
I sat with the sun warming my face, and gazed at those green leaves nourishing my favourite garden bulbs.
And, as I was doing so, I noticed something else…
I looked up and noticed the cherry blossom.
And wondered that the fruit trees produce their blossom first and then their leaves. What could this mean?
Well, I discovered that in the natural world, cherry trees produce blossoms before leaves to attract pollinators early in spring when there is less competition from other flowers, whilst the absence of leaves helps wind-pollination by making it easier for pollen to travel.
This was a mic drop moment for me. Spring plants have different strategies, and we can too. If you are out there full of cherry blossom energy, great - you are getting out there, doing your thing, making the most of the season; and if you need a little rest and nourishment later on that will be fine - be sure to notice when those beautiful chartreuse leaves start budding and check in with your energy levels.
And if you are still feeling a little sluggish, lean into your green leaf moment and seek out all the nourishment you need: warm sun on your face; early nights; a walk in the park; a little daydreaming sat outside. Relax and trust that your flowers are on their way and will bloom at just the right time.
Which of these spring energies resonates for you? I’d love to hear where everyone is at, and what’s working for you in this season.