Pianodao’s weekly series of reflective blog posts
Written by ANDREW EALES
“When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then winter will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring.”
Madeleine M. Kunin
The Chinese New Year heralds the fifteen day Spring Festival, and culminates in the Lantern Festival celebrated this weekend.
It perhaps seems odd to celebrate the arrival of Spring as early as February, several weeks before the equinox, but the stirrings of new life and fresh shoots are surely well under way, and the blossom appearing on the trees in our neighbourhood suggest that the Chinese have it right!
Spring is the time for new growth, often characterised by explosive energy and optimism. The vivid colours and vibrant new life of the burgeoning season offer spectacular reminders that CHANGE is cyclical, that the world doesn’t continue moving in a single, hopeless direction.
And here is a truth substantiated not only in the turning seasons, but in the rotation of day and night, the ebbing of the tides, the wax and waning of the moon. Darkness turns to day, but don’t forget the time for slumber will return.
We breathe in, and we breathe out.
And wouldn’t you know: the whole universe seems to do the same.
The shock of the Summer storm, the darkening evenings of Autumn, the first frost of Winter, and the appearance of Spring’s first daffodil may all come as something of a jolt, but can mindfully be anticipated.
The ready preparedness of the wise is predicated on their confidence that such natural occurrences serve as necessary adjustments, restoring balance, equilibrium and continuation.
I believe that these metaphors are really helpful; they can give us hope, and a more positive perspective in the present moment.
They encourage us to accept life’s “ups and downs”, pliably and positively adapting to change, rolling with the punches, sensing the direction of the wind. Staying ever alert, we can learn to exercise restraint in the highs, patience in the lows, and to find emotional equilibrium.
In contrast to the linear logic of western materialism, the natural observations and philosophy of Daoism teach that there is a rightful time to contract, to consolidate, and to rest.
But as the Winter passes and the Spring arrives, let us consider: are we ready to awaken to the opportunities for growth that lie ahead?
Spring Repertoire Challenge
To reinvigorate your repertoire this Spring, why not try the latest Active Repertoire Challenge?
Your FREE Spring Sheet adds a special new focus on technical development, and can now be downloaded from the main Active Repertoire page here!
