Scaled fingers of cedar, raindrops caught by sunlight hanging like fingernails from the tips. This photo brings some of the dreaminess present in spring, sunshine and rain and trees. It is hope in its simplest, most versatile form.
A raindrop encasing buds on a branch. The warm colours of the branch and shy buds bring longing and anticipation of a promise of closer warmth and spring as the equinox grows near, portraying resiliency, growth, and protection.
What do I do with what I know?
Both of these photos resemble spring in different aspects. The first, cedar, rain, and sun, gathers growth and warmth into evergreen hands, presenting the rebirth of spring in a renewing cycle. The other photo suspends thoughts of spring on a budding branch held by rain, reiterating the importance of water in all its forms. The spring equinox is a time of manifesting those that we hold near, bringing forth life and ideas all in one.
Just as we all go through our own internal and external cycles, so too does the earth. Life, death, growth, destruction – all in a never-ending revolution of time unfathomable. It’s comforting to know that no matter what happens with the earth, nature will find a way to repeat those rhythms as it always does. It never ceases to amaze me at the endurance and resilience of nature; dandelions forcing their way through cement, lichens and mosses growing on concrete, tiny trees promoted from soil into a cold, wintry world. Survival is a dance between life and death, and one depends on the other.
Resiliency and hope have been prevalent subjects in my writing lately, and I think they are important to hold near during these times. Be resilient, like the seed, and hope for warmer, welcoming seasons. Things will cycle back, just as they always do.
I just read Fantastic Fungi, the book adapted from the film with essays from many different scientists, mycologists, researchers, and writers. In one of the essays, “The Sky is Falling, But There’s a Net”, Paul Stamets writes about telling people of climate change: “It doesn’t really help to to tell people that the sky is falling or the soil is collapsing without some options for solving the solution.” This quote stuck with me and resonates deeply.
When I’m told of all of the awful instances happening around the world, they might not affect me at first, but they begin to pile, bending my back with societal pressure and anxiety. War, division, pollution, stress; there is so much strain on our world today. And when we know about all of that but don’t know what to do, that’s when our backs can break with the weight.
I know that we are on a road to disaster with over-pollution, clearcutting, wildfires, and so much more. I know that we are cutting families, friends, and people apart with division. But what do I do with what I know? I think this is a question for many people.
This spring, I invite you to find out what you can do on issues that are piling on to your plate. Research; talk to others; write; ask questions. And most importantly, ask yourself what you can do with what you know. You may know that some scientists have said there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. But what does that mean for you? You may have experienced British Columbia’s past year of terrifying wildfires first hand. But what can you do with that experience? You may be someone who has been demonized or criticized for something you did or didn’t do. What do you do with that hurt and misunderstanding?
The answer: get it out there. Find your people. Start petitions. Talk to local governments. Be respectful and assertive, peaceful and understanding. Don’t build walls up; take them down. Don’t label someone based on one thing they did; make new connections. Don’t get stuck in your head; speak and learn and keep an open mind.
I suppose what I am saying is, how do you want to live – do you want to sit on the sidelines, or do you want to make a difference?
Wow Hazel, in a world that has grown increasingly polarized, this is an amazing reflection piece of writing. When I read your insights I think to myself, ‘amazing, this is my daughter!’ You continue to inspire and amaze me with your perspective and sageness. Thank you for sharing <3
Thank you so much, Mom! <3
Beautiful & thoughtful :)
Thank you, Laura!
Proud of you, Hazel. You continue to show a level of maturity that goes deeper than your years. There is “old soul” wisdom in your words.
Thank you, Tim <3
Beautifully written, Hazel! I hear you… the importance of standing up now, in Mother Earth’s herstory, more than ever. I recently did a recommended exercise of 2 lists (from Tad Hargrave’s, Marketing for Hippies). What I stand 4 and what I stand against. 12 each. It is a great personal learning and affirmation of Spirit! Thank you for sharing your strong Standing People Spirit. Equinox Blessings
Thank you for your comment, Jana! The exercise you participated in sounds really soul-affirming. It is good to know what we do and don’t support.
You never cease to amaze me . Thank you for the beautiful photo’s and your wise and thought provoking words. Looking forward to your next months blog.
Thanks so much, Willow! <3
Thanks Hazel for posing and posting the question ” What do I do with what I know?” I feel it is relevant at all times and for me, guides my responses and interactions with others and life.
Thanks for your beautiful Being, as precious as the photo of “the raindrop encasing buds on a branch”
Lots of Love, Light and Joy,
Joy
Thank you, Joy! I really appreciate your comment <3
There should be a LOVE vote option for your blogs! I will refer and reflect on this blog whenever I am feeling the stress of any challenge I face. I believe We all have the answers, within, where it is a matter of connecting our heart and head referred to as “emotional intelligence”, reflecting your blog title “Instinct and intuition”! MAHALO (Thank you) for being and expressing YOU!
Thank you, Gramps <3
This poem may resonant with you:
“Drop your maps and listen to your lostness
like a sacred calling into presence.
Here, where the old ways are crumbling
and you may be tempted to burn down your own house.
Ask instead for an introduction to that which endures.
This place without a foothold is the province of grace.
It is the questing field,
most responsive to magic and fluent in myth.
Here, where there is nothing left to lose,
sing out of necessity that your ragged heart be heard.
Send out your holy signal and listen for the echo back.” – Toko-Pa
Thank you for sharing!
Can’t get enough of your insight and profound thoughts!
May this spring bring so many petals and gills to bring us to solace 💜
Thanks Auntie <3 I'm so grateful for you!