Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere! This means Fall is beginning in the Southern Hemisphere. Farmers and Gardeners in the Southern Hemisphere are harvesting crops and getting ready for Winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, we are waiting to get our native plants and vegetable seedlings in the ground. For gardeners, Spring means tending new seedlings, and watching the daily high and low temperatures.
It is very important to wait until after the last frost of the season before planting any seedlings outdoors. There are often late frosts that can damage young plants. Sometimes we wait and wait and still have a very late frost with no warning. It is usually worth the effort to wait as long as possible.
In the southeast and south central United States, early flowers are budding and getting ready to burst into bloom. Most trees are showing tiny leaves and may have tiny buds that will burst into bloom overnight. This is a magical time of year with amazing colors, blue skies, and often windy days.
This past Sunday afternoon, I was sitting with one of my favorite pine trees, looking at the tiny blossoms in the grass and checking the sky for birds. Before too long, I saw one hawk making a large circle over the field, and then I saw 2 more, all making circles. They were just floating on the higher air currents, occasionally moving their wings. Their flight was so elegant and effortless, it was amazing to watch! I could have watched for hours.
Creation is amazing, if only we take the time to pay attention. Every time I sit and rest with a tree, I always relax. And, after a few minutes, my heart rate begins to slow down, and I take longer and deeper breaths. Recent studies have shown that the health effects of regular “tree sitting” are very specific and can last for several days. Most of us know if we are calm and relaxed, our whole system functions more efficiently. Our blood pressure goes down, our digestion improves, and our immune system functions much better. And, we are usually in a better mood!
Maintaining our health is so important right now because of all the drama and nonsense in our world. As we know, if our stress levels are high, we may not be sleeping very well. Tree sitting is an excellent remedy for ongoing stress and insomnia. Sometimes I can even take a nap, sitting with a protective tree. And, I love to meditate with trees. My meditations are usually longer and deeper when I am sitting with a tree.
Spring is a great time for catching up on Sunshine and Fresh Oxygen. Spring is also an excellent time for “Birding” and counting those lovely light yellow butterflies that are flitting through our yards and parks. If possible, leave the leaves in your yard as long as possible. Tiny Creatures like Fireflies, Lady Beetles, worms, and all the ones that we can barely see need more time and protection from the weather to survive and thrive! Fireflies need 2 seasons to mature, so if you want to see Fireflies this season and next year, leave the leaves and don’t use pesticides !!!
Remember, if we take care of Creation, Creation will always take care of us!
