Well my friends…another season is almost upon us.

 I always have mixed emotions as spring arrives. I feel a tinge of anticipation for the warmth of the sun and the sweet breeze on my cheek mixed with sadness of leaving winter with its holidays, the cuddliness of blankets, the rich darkness, topped off with dread over the heat of summer, and joy over having a little extra time with family and friends once the school year is over. (As you can see this is a very confusing time for me!!!!!)

One thing I know for sure is that spring has a way of awakening me. I feel the little pinpricks of excitement as I see the buds on the forsythia beginning to form. In that I always find hope and inspiration – hope for new beginnings, new opportunities; inspiration to be bold and begin anew, to see things in a new light.

We can learn so much from nature and from the world around us. By simply looking out the window and seeing the persistent daffodils making their way up through the barely softened soil each year, we can discover for ourselves so many ways to become inspired to grow, transform, and evolve.

Wherever, however that inspiration arrives, it has a profound effect on us. I was reminded recently of a creative movement residency that I taught to three classes of students with special needs. Some were physically challenged, some emotionally challenged, and others mentally challenged, but they each brought a richness, a creative spark, a sense of playfulness to our classes, making it a very unique experience. One student named Lupe amazed me. Even though the residency was more than 15 years ago, her spirit, her enthusiasm, and her ingenuity remain with me and continue to inspire me. Lupe needed a wheelchair and didn’t have a ton of verbal skills, but she understood and remembered everything.  She was always the first to raise her hand when I asked questions, which she always answered correctly, and she was so engaged with the world around her. Despite her verbal “limitations” she never stopped trying to communicate – repeating words louder or slower, pointing, even miming. And nothing could stop her from participating. She found her own ways – before I did – to modify some of the exercises I was teaching. And as I recall my time with her and her class, I realize just how much she has touched my life - her determination, her creativity, her smile, her openness – in essence her beautiful spirit.

It’s so easy to ignore or take for granted all of the beauty that surrounds us. Whether it’s other people, nature, animals, a book, a poem, a live performance, there is always something we can draw inspiration from. So, in light of the approaching spring and Lupe, and all that they both have to offer, can we allow ourselves to stay open to the beauty, can we give ourselves the time and the room to grow and explore, and can we offer back into the world all the joy and richness that whatever inspires us has brought us?

With ever-growing and blossoming blessings….

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