March 19, 2023
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. The Vernal (or spring) Equinox is tomorrow, Monday, March 20th at 5:24pm (EST). This is one of two days, each year, the earth is neither tilted toward, nor away from the sun. This means there will be nearly equal parts of sun light and darkness for planet earth tomorrow. The other day is the Autumnal (fall equinox) in mid-September. As spring turns to summer, for the northern hemisphere, the earth will gradually tilt toward the sun, bringing warmer temperatures. The southern part of the globe will experience cooler temps, as fall and the winter months approach for that part of the earth. Spring is a magical time of year; filled with vibrant energy, new beginnings and a passion for life. Flowers, plants and trees sprout back to life; while growing, blooming and producing new fruit. The brilliant colors and flourishing foliage set a magnificent and beautiful backdrop for our beat up planet. The earth has endured harsh treatment during its life in our solar system. Humans continue to treat it with disrespect, as do many of these people do to each other; while inflicting their own brand of wrath and destruction. It’s a sad state of affairs for our home and a poor testament to our human existence. Life can be messy, there will be struggles and it’s never perfect. My life will only be as good as I make it. I work daily to ensure my world is the best it can be. I begin each day with gratitude, a positive attitude and happiness; while I maintain my faith in God and the universe.
Spring is definitely in the air (at least it is on my small island)! The down side, especially this year, has been the amount of pollen floating through the air. It’s been a brutal year of dusting in my part of the south. I enjoy the rebirth of nature, but I am not a fan of the intense tree and weed dust around my home. It is potent stuff, compared to what I lived through in SoCal all my life. I pray better spring time weather shows itself soon, both here and in other areas across our country. My sinus issues are nothing to what California, and other parts of our nation deal with, as they continue to struggle with a winter that just won’t stop. When Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhogs day, this past February 2nd, and predicted six more weeks of winter, who knew it would be like this. Snow, rain and extreme weather continue to create havoc, here at home and across the planet. The earth and nature combine to produce new growth and vibrancy of life. The planetary changes also influence alterations across the globe, including weather and natural disasters. Nature is truly an amazing and incredible revelation of beauty; but it has the ability to unleash its destructive power at any moment (often times without notice). Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornados, hurricanes, typhoons and tidal movements (in our oceans) are beyond our control.
I enjoy the change of seasons; whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter. Each time of year brings new variety and beauty to our surroundings. How often do you actually consider the changes that occur to produce the incredible beauty of nature? Everything on this planet; including vegetation, living creatures and humans all evolve and change over time. Change, along with birth and death, are a forever constant of life on this rock. How we, humans, respond to change is a measure of how happy we will be. What do you do when circumstances or situations alter your day or life? How do you react to these occurrences? Do you kick, scream and fight change or do you accept these new beginnings openly? It took me some time, but I finally realized that I can’t control or manipulate life. Perfection doesn’t exist. I do my best every day to follow the path God and the universe are placing in front of me. Life is a journey. It shouldn’t be about how fast we can get through it, but how much joy we can bring to ourselves and others during on time here. Don’t resist change. In order for a caterpillar to become a beautiful butterfly, it goes through an incredible transformation. It doesn’t defy the process or refuse to change. Instead, the caterpillar welcomes the opportunity to grow and become an amazing new creature. How often do we (humans) resist the opportunity to grow, evolve or become better? I no longer fight change, but now welcome it with open arms. It took me some time, but I learned how life can be so much more amazing and wonderful when I embrace change. I’ve opened my heart and soul to God and the universe.
The seasons, climate and our planet have been changing since our earth came into existence billions of years ago. Our globe has evolved and gone through radical alterations since it was born. I doubt we have the technology or knowledge to know exactly what will happen over the course of time. I leave that expertise to God and the universe. I’m a believer that our universe was created from the same Source. We each possess a fragment of energy (or DNA) from the initial creation of all things and creatures in the universe. This power, within each of us, is my driving force. As Spring blossoms into new beginnings, my choice is to grow and evolve with it. I live each day in the present, releasing my past and enjoying each moment as it comes my way. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
St Patrick’s Day was this past Friday, March 17th. I’m Italian, but I thought it fitting to share this Irish blessing with you. “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, let’s be healthy and strong; mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
sundaymorningwithjohn.com 