Taking Notice

Each of the seasons has its own beauty.  What I notice about Spring, though, are the vibrant colors, life emerging from dormant soil, and a sense of Beginning Anew.  The long, dark days of winter are giving way to light and warmth.

Here in Southern California, though, the changes are more subtle, especially when winter months are milder than normal and Santa Ana wind conditions occur more frequently.  Colors splash the gardens and landscapes throughout the year.

But there is a difference: plants seem to sparkle; the air becomes clearer; and windows are reopened to what the day brings.

What have you noticed today?

It might be in the degree of Noticing, becoming sensitive to the nuances and changes occurring inwardly... and outwardly.

As I was walking with a friend this past week, we were talking about local and national events: COVID vaccinations; moving from more restrictive guidelines to lesser ones; and the ability to begin planning -- cautiously -- for the weeks and months ahead.

Several questions are surfacing from this COVID hibernation:

• What kind of world are we emerging into?
• Where will we find normalcy and beauty?
• Who and what can we trust?

Where is Beauty Emerging?

Walking in the neighborhood, we came across signs that life is returning:  trees and bulbs planted years prior displaying spectacular blossoms, and seeds and seedlings providing new growth unseen.  Some landscapes seem familiar... but I realize, they are not the same as last year:  the trees have grown; the bulbs have split; the new arrivals bring variety.

When have you seen the Light
behind the Beauty?

As we take notice -- inwardly and outwardly -- of our post-COVID surroundings, I wonder what we will find behind our stories of confinement, limitations, and loss?

• Will we seek the familiar?
• Will we hold onto the past season?
• Will we notice Newness Emerging?

My assumption is "Yes" to all of these questions.  What do you think?  Where are you reopening friendships to new discoveries?  How might you share Thoughts Buried?  Is there a way to clear the air between you and a perceived foe?

 

I would guess that we are not the same people as we were pre-pandemic.  How do we share what we have seen and experienced?  How can we listen and become curious about another person's journey?

My hope is that our Lenten Days will give way to the Easter Season of Hope, that we learn the Passover lessons of our freedom from bondage; and that we experience the Life Emerging... familiar but different.  May we embrace the Light behind our Darkness.

 

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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