Just a quick check-in tonight because it’s been a rather difficult day. Some days are exceedingly difficult during a pandemic. Usually, I manage to float from one day to the next without thinking too deeply about anything. But today has made me think about a few things, add to that the appalling wet weather and it’s left me rather weary.
However, I’m trying to stay positive. There is always much to be grateful for.
Yesterday was Imbolc, a Gaelic traditional festival marking the halfway point between the winter equinox (shortest day), and the Spring equinox (first day of spring). It’s a celebration that appears to have deep meaning around cleansing ready for spring but also fertility and young unwed women showing purity. Less said about that the better says the slight feminist in me.
I do like the idea of celebrating the moving on of the season. It means more light, longer days, sowing seeds, flowering bulbs and hopefully better weather. Moving further away from winter and closer to spring.
The chance of a fresh start is much easier to do than it was in January, although still not quite as easy as it would be once Spring really takes off. But, it’s more manageable to envisage Spring as it hoovers just around the corner. To begin a new project or start a new, positive habit.
When I read about Imbolc I certainly felt optimistic – suddenly this period of the year is marked, not only by pagan or Celtic festivals but just simply by realising that winter is almost behind us and we have been given a new opportunity to look forward to.
If you stand outside you can nearly smell spring, and below our feet, the earth is just starting to stir as the snowdrops begin to flower first. On a bright, sunny day you can feel like anything is achievable. That’s what we’ve got to hold onto.
Thank you for reading.
Growing the Green Life - doing something good every day 