In the quiet moments before dawn, have you ever observed the world colorfully shift from gray darkness to a rainbow of light?
Every moment can change us. A season of change tends to change the cycle of our lives profoundly.
This is the pure essence of springtime and the spirit of Easter—a time when light transforms darkness, symbolizing hope and renewal for all, irrespective of our beliefs or backgrounds.
Consider the cherry blossom, eagerly anticipated, blooming brilliantly after the cold has passed. It shows us the visual and fragrant beauty of life's ephemeral nature and the strength found in vulnerability.
For those among us on the path of recovery or working tirelessly in mental health and education, isn't the daily presence you offer a powerful example too? It reminds us that even in the harshest winters, notwithstanding some really warm and cold weather patterns this year, life not only persists, but it flourishes with a newfound beauty every time!
This Spring, let's draw inspiration from the cherry blossom trees and perhaps also a butterfly. After a period of profound transformation, both exemplify emerging with life, not just surviving. Nature is a vivid testament to the power of transformation and growth that parallels our own journeys through life. Our every step and mere presence, is a victory, a rebirth of sorts, mirroring the profound symbolism of what Easter and the hope-filled promise of springtime are intended to be.
So, how might we allow Spring to fill us with hope? By reminding us that the essence of our professional and personal challenges is not permanence, but a passage leading through growth and renewal. Whether it’s navigating the stress of high-stress environments, overcoming personal grief, living with addictions, or finding balance amidst the cross of caring for others, the message of Easter and spring whispers the same truth to all: renewal is within reach, and with it, the strength to emerge brighter and more resilient is ours!
As we reflect on the symbols of Easter and the vibrancy of spring, let's embrace the hope they instill—the assurance that renewal is not just a possibility for some but a promise for all! Waiting in the winds, beckoning just beyond the horizon…light, beauty, pure essence of love exists, for any with eyes to see and ears to hear, let them.
In calm connection always,
Kristin Onderdonk
Owner Enjoy Chi | Creator STOP & FLOW | Author | Speaker | Coach
This Week’s Connect to Calm Pro Tip: Crafting Your Cycle of Life Vision Board
In the spirit of renewal and reflection, this week’s Pro Tip invites you to create a Cycle of Life Vision Board. This isn't just any vision board; it's a unique blend of your aspirations, drawing from both your spiritual beliefs and secular goals, crafted in a format that embraces the cyclical and spiral patterns of life's journey, rather than the traditional linear path.
What You'll Need:
A large poster board or canvas
Magazines, photos, quotes, or any printouts that resonate with your goals and inspirations
Markers, pens, or paints
Glue or tape
Instructions:
Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can spread out your materials and reflect. Consider playing some calming music or lighting a candle to set a serene atmosphere.
Sketch Your Design: Lightly draw a large circle in the center of your board, representing the continuity of your journey. Within this circle, draw a cross or plus sign, dividing the circle into four equal quadrants. This symbolizes the balance between your spiritual and secular aspirations.
Collect and Place: Begin to go through your materials, selecting images, words, and symbols that align with your goals. Place these in the quadrants as follows:
Top Quadrant: Representing your spiritual or higher self-goals. What uplifts your spirit or connects you to a higher purpose?
Right Quadrant: Symbolizing en-spirited actions and goals that propel you forward in your personal and professional life.
Bottom Quadrant: For grounding and self-care practices that keep you centered and balanced.
Left Quadrant: Dedicated to worldly relationships and community, highlighting the importance of connection. You might consider adding images that remind you of people, places, and things that have served you well and supported your life thus far.
Embrace the Cyclical Sprial of Lifel: Starting from the center of your circle, create a spiral outwards using images or symbols that represent your journey's growth, resilience, and evolution. This can be simple circles like a dot, egg, or jelly bean! This spiral stepping stone-inspired path signifies your expanding awareness and the dynamic nature of your life's path.
Reflect and Position: As you place each item, take a moment to reflect on its significance and how it contributes to your holistic growth. This process is as much about introspection as it is about creation.
Seal with Ritual Intent: Once completed, place your vision board in a space where you’ll see it daily. Let it be a living reminder of your interconnected goals, a source of inspiration and strength as you absorb and navigate the cycles of your life.
Why It Works:
Creating a Cycle of Life Vision Board helps bridge the gap between your daily pursuits and your broader life vision. It serves as a tangible reminder of your aspirations, rooted in the cyclical and ever-evolving nature of existence.
This exercise not only boosts creativity and clarity but also reinforces your commitment to a balanced, fulfilling path, infused with hope and resilience.
I’d love to hear from you!
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