Happy Spring Equinox!
You may have noticed (or not – I won’t be offended) that I’ve not been actively sharing my writing or my art online. I’m currently enjoying an offline hiatus as I’m racing towards my deadline of finishing my upcoming book “How to Draw Your Feelings” (coming out in 2023!). Please send your good wishes my way, because I definitely need every last bit of it :-)
Until then, I hope you enjoy this reflection on the lessons of Spring time that I wrote last year. Wishing you a hopeful spring.
-R
“When you enter a new transition of life with curiosity and hesitation"
The arrival of spring brings so much hope and beauty. It’s suddenly easier to feel grateful, to feel alive, and to greet the sun like a long lost friend. The blossoming flowers are a reminder that the earth is breathing alongside us.
“I sit before flowers hoping they will train me in the art of opening up.” (Shane Koyczan)
I love watching the little buds at the beginning of spring courageously open themselves up and blossom. I find our growth process to be similar. We first germinate in the dark. We crack ourselves open like seeds and begin to slowly and consistently sprout. With time, our leaves emerge and, finally, out come buds. It’s only after cultivating our hearts and minds that we may finally feel ready to bloom.
Just like the flowering plants, we are also experiencing a rebirth. With this birth comes joy and hope, but also discomfort and fear.
Spring is a time of transition. It is the doorway between winter and summer.
Like any change, it can bring up feelings of hesitation and nerves. We resist change because it invites us into something new and unknown.
To open up is a delicate art. It requires the confidence of a fearless child and the patience of a rooted tree.
To open up requires a vulnerability in knowing who we are and not being afraid to show it. But the wisdom of spring reminds us that we don’t need to rush this transition. We can open up one petal at a time. We can slowly shake off the heaviness of winter. We can give ourselves permission to trust that something new and beautiful is right around the corner. I invite you to take that first, slow step to begin again.
This week's creative prompt:
What is spring’s invitation for you?
What are you nervous or excited to begin again, and what first step can you take?
For your sketchbook:
Divide your paper into 5 parts. In each section, draw the 5 stages of growth: a germinating seed, a growing sprout, leaves, buds, and finally a blooming flower. Label each one with the different stages of your life that have felt similar to you.
This week's quote:
“How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being, otherwise, we will remain too frightened ”― Hafiz
Special announcement!
I have quite a few extra 2022 calendars left. Since we’re nearly at April, I’m looking to give them away to teachers, nursing homes, or really anyone else who could really use them and enjoy. Calendars are free, just pay for shipping. If you’re interested, please email me and we can figure something out.
Hello Rukmini Podar ! I’m SO happy that your doing a book made of illustrations. Hope I could have an hand on it since I live in Paris. Thank you for your newsletter !