It's been creeping between the lines of definition for some time, and though I can't say when it started, spring is officially here.
Spring in the North-Eastern united states is so overwhelmingly alive and joyous that even amid the omnigray concrete of the Bronx, one's senses are tantalized by the immensity of the blue sky, the brilliance of fresh leaves and flowers on our trees, the gentle warmth of sunshine, the horny screams of the magpies and warblers.
Soon, the May thunderstorms will come upon us (we've been promised one for the past week or so), filling the air with a primal, electric smell. Lukewarm water will drench our clothes and kids will play in puddles.
Spring is as in-your-face here as winter and summer, but it's in-your-face in a gentle, pleasant way. Some New Yorkers like to focus on the negative aspects of our lives, and so we more often hear about the face-numbing cold of the winter and the skin-melting heat and humidity of the summer. Between the two, spring is not just a temporary relief. Let's use these days to celebrate all that is good in our lives.
How about...
- Preparing a fresh meal of juicy yummies and sharing it with a dear friend or two?
- Walking to your favorite tree with an apple and a book and sitting in its shade for a half-hour?
- Taking a long walk -- alone or with friends, through streets, park or forest?
- Pausing to watch birds at play for a while?
- Adopting a plant for your home?
- Volunteering with the local park department for a Saturday or two?
- Getting together with an estranged but dear friend for an afternoon picnic?
- Hugging a tree? No, seriously. Hug a tree. I'm not kidding.
Spring is so vibrant, so colorful. Haven't your moods improved over the last couple of weeks? They'll do so tenfold if you take steps to become an active participant in the cycle of renewal... I promise.
