Spring has been around the corner for a while now where we live in British Columbia, Canada. Spending my childhood and early adult years in a tropical climate made me pay little attention to the seasons – we only have two, rainy or dry. What I like in North America are the four lovely seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall.

Of all four, I love spring.  For me it is an unfolding of miracles in the making.  One can tell when the season is here, aside from experiencing more rain, rainbows are a usual sight. Everything is coming back to life.

Trees and shrubs that look dead during the winter are becoming green again.  The ground which was covered with snow are now surrounded with plants here and there.  Flowers start blooming.  And oh I love the gorgeous cherry blossoms that add a comforting fragrance to the air.  Seeds and bulbs that have been hibernating on the ground are now showing up. Birds are mating and singing in what sounds like a choral group.  Rivers and streams are swollen after the melting of the snow. Ponds are coming alive with ducklings and fishes having a fiesta for the good weather. What an awesome cycle of nature!

For the gardeners it’s time to get dirty again, a time to till the soil, plan the seeds, and unweed.  I visited a garden center and they recommended pansies and primrose – wonderful bright flowers that are perfect for the season. These are now on the ground showing off their blooms.

Spring Cleaning for your HEART

Seasons just like in life, is ever changing. Sometimes the wheel of life will take us to the bottom, to the top, to the ups and downs. The trials and even the worst of events and circumstances beat us like the harsh winter. But spring reminds us that in spite of the biting cold, the sun is still shining behind the clouds.

To allow your heart to experience the real beauty of spring, here are some simple things we all can do.

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Growing up in a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines, Easter reminds me of what I always hear on Sunday mass, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A new beginning, a transformation. When I was a young girl, I saw men flagellating themselves, women sitting for hours to read the Passion of Christ using a chant-like tone, prosessions of adorned saintly figures. We were not allowed to eat pork during Lent, and worst to take a bath!

Filipino flagellants in the Philippines, a popular attraction during Holy Week

Raising my two daughters in Canada was a different story. Aside from a personal spiritual reflection, I would boil eggs for the famous Easter Egg Hunt. When I had extra time, (my kids were born 18 months apart and I was running two businesses) I would decorate and color the eggs and spread them around our two-storey home. After church service, we would go to a friend’s place for another hunting game. Oh it was so much fun watching kids’ faces filled with excitement!

Amidst all the traditions and varying views, I have always searched for the meaning of Easter, the wisdoms behind the tradition, and one that resonates with me.

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When I’m hurt and aching, when I feel like life is tumbling down on me I ask myself “What if I’m born blind?” I wonder how it feels to be visually impaired. Then I feel grateful for my eyes and my life.

I came across the name Joe Monks, a blind film director. Due to diabetes, he lost his eyesight in 2002. He is now visually impaired and yet he did not let that hold him back.  He wrote and directed the pyschological thriller  The Bunker which garnered him an  Achievement in Cinema Award during the 2011 Gasparilla International Film Festival. It is said that he composed a heart stirring speech 10 minutes before he went on stage.

“If one takes away your sight, it does not mean it can take away your vision. When you see a closed door, it does not mean it is locked.” He goes on to say that even if the door is locked, it is our job to pick the lock, take off the hinges, or break the door down. There are no excuses for anyone to not achieve his goal.  Being blind is not. Watch.

Are you appreciating what you have in your life now? Or are you making excuses? I am guilty as charged. But then again, let us not feel bad about what we have not done in the past. What matters most is what are we doing starting today to open the door that may seem close to us.

Joe Monks for sure has his moments too. Instead of wallowing on his lost, he moved forward. It’s not what happens to us but what we do about it. He lost his sight but he kept his vision.

Life will throw us lemon many times. Think of turning these lemons into lemonade. It’s bitter sweet and refreshing.  Don’t let any circumstances or anybody stand in your way. No matter what happens life goes on for you and me. It’s always our own choice to move forward.

When One Door Closes, Kick It!