From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
Spring is here!
This morning I had the incredible pleasure of being in Canberra at Floriade time. For those of you who don't know, Floriade is the flower festival in our nation's capital. ItÞ's the time when the usually not too colorful Cnaberra is ablaze with brightly coloured tulips, daffodils, pansies, hyacinths and every imaginable spring bloom.
It is gorgeous! Luckily, I awoke early, the sun was shining and I was only a few minutes walk away from the center of the floral extravaganza. I donned my walking gear, and felt great with the anticipation of the beauty I was about to experience. Sounds corny, I know, but I really want to make a point here - in my opinion, we don't anticipate beauty and good things enough.
We are brilliant at anticipating anything other than pleasant, the possible backlash or just, the worst. How often do we consciously anticipate and feel excited about little moments like an opportunity to walk through a beautiful place?
So, as I strode out of hte hotel towards the gardens, the sun shone on my back and I really felt and appreciated the warmth. In this state I was so aware of nature that I 'saw' the trees for hte first time. They were bursting forth in bud - peotic I know but I just can't help myself - it was sooooo beautiful. Lots of brand new, bright green shoots and tiny leaves that seemed to be exuding the new and fresh energy of spring.
And I haden't even reached the tulips!
I continued on, feeling more refreshed by the minute, and then I reached the flowers. It was breathtaking. As far as my eye could see there was a mass of brilliant, bold colors. Beds of fabulous sunshine yellow tulips and daffodils interspersed with gorgeous violet pansies, delicate white and yellow daisies and green lelaves. But wait , there's more.
I rounded a corner and there in a lake framed by willows are boats full of more blooms of all colors. Suddenly, another corner this time it's a bed of daffosils and jonquils and the wonderful smell just topped off a really sensual experience!
Anticipate the good.the peak of Floriadevisit Canberra often (a wise move unless you love order in a big way!) he usually not too (obviously) colorful Canexpect the possible backlash or just , expect Or being in the sun? Or a beautiful day? Or a gorgeous tree? A child's laugh? thetheThe birds were out in full force and there were l, this time it's a bed of daffod I stopped and bent down to bloom level and sniffed like crazy! Who needs to spend a fortune on perfume!
I couldn't help but notice that there was 'something in the air' - I can't believe I worte that! But it's true - as are so many phrases that have been around forever - there was a fresh energy in this place. The combination of beauty, warmth, new shoots and blossoms seemed to lift people's spirits - well , mine anyway!
And isn't that what spring is about ? Renewal? Being born again (so to speak)? If this isn't a life ritual for you - if you have been so caught up with speed addiction that you didn't even notice winter had gone - then stop imediately! And go outside into a park or a garden - or a florist shop is that's as close as you can get! And have a sensual feast. bask in the warmth; be moved by the colors; be filled with wonder at nature's ability to bring forth new buds and shoots; smell the perfume of spring; just absorb the life that is
t! And have a sensual feast. Bsproutthe energy of new teeming around you.If that doesn't make you feel wonderful , then you're dead already!
But wait, there's still more! Just as I was heading back, I was stopped in my tracks by the most spectacular sight. Hundreds of almost luminescent pure white tulips surrounding hundreds more pale yellow tulips with longer stems. They had just been watered and all the buds were coated with drops of water that sparkled like crystals in the sun. (It's all right, I'll stop soon!)
So here I am gasping at the magnificent sight in front of me, when I hear the gentle sounds of Pachabel's canon wafting out of a tree in front of me! My favorite music and my favorite version of it.
God is great. Life is great. Spring is amazing! Enjoy it.
