TIME TO PLANT YOUR SEEDS

I think I chose this garden photo because the snow, once again, just covered up the newly aspiring yellow Crocuses who are resiliently still poking through the white, unable to admit defeat. This photo reminds me that the spring equinox is almost here and soon the cold and snow will lift for good - and that this is a great time to look ahead to the things in our life we want to cultivate and make happen.
Whereas winter is a time of reflection and contemplation, a "digging deep back into our roots" per se, spring is when we take our aspirations and put them into action. Spring is when we throw aside our blanket of inaction and hibernation and instead take up the metaphorical "plough" and plant our dreams. It offers us the energy to build an action plan, to focus our intentions and take concrete steps towards them.

For many of us, winter halted exercise, added a regime of comfort eating and weight gain, and even pulled us into cycles of depression and low energy. As the sun continues to lengthen its presence in our lives, we can use this increased potential energy to affirm our commitments, values and goals. The seasons offer us a potent metaphor - a literal paradigm shift from one way of being to another. Even now farmers are planting seeds and mentally preparing, although their actions are still wrapped in the throes of winter. But planning ahead takes faith that the new paradigm is possible - that spring brings with it a promise of change, abundance, and the fruits of our labor.

This is a great time to take a last reflection on all the issues, habits, thoughts, and patterns that you are ready to leave behind with winter. What is the story that you have held on to for so long that no longer serves you? Honor it and let it go. Now, get very clear on exactly, to the minute detail, of the way you wish to live your life. What does that story look like? Remember, cultivating our desires takes as much planning and organization as it would to prepare for your summer vegetable garden. You wouldn't throw just anything into the soil, and you would practice faith as well as careful, active tending as you waited for the seedlings to sprout.

Ultimately, your subconscious mind is the soil - do you fill it with positive or negative thoughts? Do you plant life affirming actions or fear driven responses? There is only room for one or the other, a careless weed or thoughtful intention, and the one you plant will grow.

©laynewhitley, 2010. Article may be reprinted with permission.

Layne Whitley, Food & Weight Loss Coach, helps clients lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great… naturally! To get your FREE e-book on lasting weight loss and receive her weekly recipes & success mindset articles on reaching your wellness potential, visit www.laynewhitley.com or email her at coach@laynewhitley.com.