Each season is an essential part of a whole process that occurs every year, a part of life itself. As the earth moves through each phase of its journey, we experience changes in time, daylight, temperature and weather conditions. The darker, colder days of winter are just as essential as the long, bright, warm days of summer, for without them where would the new growth come from. Likewise for us, as individuals, there are times of rest and quiet regeneration, followed by times of great activity. We need to experience both light and darkness, for one cannot exist without the other, and so does our planet. Once the Winter Solstice has passed, the earth turns her face once more towards the sun, and we begin to look forward to spring.

Spring is a time of preparation and renewal. It holds the promise of fruitfulness and abundance. In springtime, as I walk down the little lane to my place of work, I find my head is held a little higher, the choir of birdsong filling the air is a little louder and more melodic, and the breeze on my face holds a hint of warmth, undetectable only a couple of weeks ago. A smile spreads across my face, and it feels good to be alive to witness the wonderful changes taking place, as spring once again spreads its lavish gifts before us.

In springtime I find it so uplifting to share in the feeling of hope that issues forth from the earth, as the spring bulbs confidently force their way up through the cold damp ground, their buds flourishing into a carpet of color to brighten the world. I start to notice the extra few minutes of daylight adding on each week, and feel the stirrings of excitement in anticipation of enjoying the warmer days ahead.

Spring is also a time to slough off some of my weightier clothing, and breathe in the scent from the blossom trees, carried on a gentler breeze. It is a time to get outdoors, and start planning the garden for the coming season; to trim back the old dead wood from last year, and encourage the new green shoots to flourish. My mind often makes comparisons with life in general as these tasks are performed, and new creative ideas are birthed in my head, as I trowel around in the muck, consigning old outgrown practices to the compost heap.

Spring is my favorite time of year. The theme of new life and freshness even spills over into spring-cleaning, as I shake off the cobwebs in reality, as well as in my mind. When the sun starts to shine and the daylight hours increase the dust and grime have

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