Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Life coach: Thoughts on spring
Recently, while out for my evening walk, I noticed the birds loudly chirping. I listened carefully and heard robins, cardinals, sparrows, morning doves and others singing away. I could only imagine that they were as happy as I was to have a fairly warm evening in which to enjoy being outside.
I then thought about the difference between the moment and a few weeks earlier. I was coming home from work, it had been snowing and as I was walking across the parking lot I heard a number of birds chirping.
I stopped, looked around to see where these sounds were coming from, because it was the first time this spring I had heard the cacophony. There, on the snow-covered crab apple tree branches, were seven of the largest, brightest orange-breasted robins I had ever seen. They were indeed the first robins of the season.
Then my thoughts turned to how cold they must be. I toyed with the idea of running inside to get my camera but decided they would be gone by the time I got back, so I just stood there, looking with intrigue, and watching, listening and finding the birds, like a word search or seek and find puzzle.
To my amazement, during my vigil I counted seven robins, two warblers and two sparrows almost camouflaged behind the snow on one tree. Then I looked over at the tree next to it which was also filled with singing birds. It was like they were welcoming the spring and voicing their extreme happiness to have made it back, one more time, to a place where they were very happy. By the volume of their singing, they were attempting to let the world, or at least La Crosse know.
There seems to be many weather transitions this spring — warm and sunny one moment and cold, wet and yes even some of the white stuff flying through the air. I am so done with winter and have heard that I am not alone in that respect. It seems like we are some how stuck in this transition and winter is not really ready to give up its long, cold hold.
It certainly has been a long transition. I often reflect on the transitions one makes in life and what affect the sun, moon and weather has on our moods and ability to cope. Have you ever noticed that when it's cold, dreary and wet it is harder to deal? And when the sun is shining, the weather is warm it is easier to be “light” hearted, active and have a “sunny disposition.” I found this poem about spring as I was surfing the Net and wanted to share it with you:
REFLECTIONS OF SPRING
Sweetly chilled raindrops,
tapping gently
against my cheek.
Streams of life,
gracefully descending from the heavens.
I am reminded of Spring.
Where the many tulips,
and daisies grow wildly,
under the palest blue sky.
A pair of young robins,
dancing carelessly,
entwined in the spirit
of the calming breeze.
A bond of love,
inscribed in their peaceful
togetherness.
One of many
insignificant moments,
measured by nought
but a few blinks of the eye.
Where eternity could play out
in a single heartbeat……..
my heart belongs to Spring.
— Robert John Helms, a student at Preston College
Judy Aufenthie writes an online column about healthy living and wellness for the Tribune
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