A Season of Hope
The joys and wonder of early spring
After the long, cold and tenebrous winter, spring is a season of hope. Specially early spring, when the air feels less crisp, more alive. The sun and all the things we associate with life - green leaves, tiny sprouts, colorful flowers from the first blooms, the rich brown of earth, the songs of the birds - everything speaks of possibility and wonder.
The Hope Of Plants
Yesterday we went to the garden center and bought a few new plants. As I sit here, I can see them on the table - two young tomato plants and a mini bell pepper.
We also got a philodendron because I love trailing plants, and an oleander because it’s beautiful and I didn’t know it’s highly poisonous.1
I love plants. I have a few of them, and have lost a bunch too - which always makes me impossibly sad. I’m still mourning the sansevieria I lost when we were away for three weeks for the holidays last year.
Our oldest - a small monstera - almost died too, because the self-watering system was borked and tried to drown him. I really thought he was gone, since he lost all his leaves, but I couldn’t bring myself to throw him out. I repotted him, fully expecting him to wither and die, despite my efforts. But to my absolute surprise, he didn’t give up. A couple of weeks later he sprouted new growth, new leaves. In winter.
I didn’t give up, so neither did him. He’s still recovering, but he’s still here. Like me. Like so many of us.
It’s not easy, caring for plants. It takes time, and effort, and sometimes it hurts because you fuck up or they get a bug and they suffer and sometimes die.
But sometimes they don’t give up, they fight back and sprout new tiny leaves, and it gives you hope. That things can get better, even when it seems everything is completely fucked.
It shows you that sometimes you can fix things. Not always, but sometimes.
And because you know it’s not easy, bringing new plants home or planting seeds or caring for tiny little seedlings feels like hope. Like believing tomorrow can be good, not all days will be bad, and some days can be joyful. Believing that I can do something meaningful. Something right - even if I will fuck up sometimes.
Even if some parts of me have died, withered away in pain and misery, others have survived, stubborn and obstinate, fighting back and sprouting new leaves, digging new roots.
Seeing that rebellious new growth, be it in a plant or yourself, is a very special kind of joy.
The Magic Of Trees
Trees are such an amazing thing.
You just have to look at them, pay attention, and you will see. They’re beautiful, yes, but also offer refuge, pleasure, comfort. They’re good role models and sources of inspiration, if you care to listen to them.
Some trees bloom very early, before the cold of winter is really gone. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across one of them as they shed colorful petals in the breeze, floating slowly and quietly in a breathless flash of magic, to then fall to the ground and create a stunning tapestry under the canopy.
The flowers don’t last very long, but each one of them is this perfect, timeless moment of joy.
Something ephemeral, simple and magnificent, that invites you to take a moment, take a breath and fill yourself with uncomplicated delight.
Now is also the time when all the bare trees, the ones that have survived the dark, cold months, burst with life again. It’s another kind of magic; enduring harsh conditions, resting for a season, being still and patient, knowing that spring will come and the work will begin again, and they will be ready for it.
Sometimes I’m startled by how fast and how fiercely they grow, as soon as temperatures allow. It seems like just yesterday naked branches and uncovered trunks was all there was, and then I looked up and everything is overflowing with green and color.
I specially like how they sway in the breeze, how they sing with the wind, how they seem to sigh when it rains, how they glow in the early morning.
The Calm Of Birdsong
I live in magpie territory and they’re back, chattering between the branches, surveying the trees from the rooftops, flashes of bright deep blue and startling white among the new leaves. Nearby, gorgeous black crows cackle and perch on the tallest trees, giving us judgemental stares, looking for food left behind to scavenge.
Sparrows are everywhere, even in densely populated areas. Seagulls and ducks are never far from water bodies, along with other less known species.
A conservation program started in 2002 is reintroducing eagles to Lac Léman, and this year there are many of them flying above the lake and the surrounding woods, slicing the air in majestic dives, dancing in pairs or trios, calling with their distinctive cry. This feels like hope, too; we can undo the damage we’ve been causing to the world. It’s possible, if not easy or simple.
I could tell you a lot more, because I spend a lot of time entertained by birds, listening to their songs, watching their shenanigans as they fight and mate and play, laughing at their antics as we feed them seeds.2
Do you ever listen to the birds that inhabit your city or neighborhood? It can be a source of joy and calm, as well as improve your mood and wellbeing. Just observing them can take you out of yourself, away from obsessive thoughts and that ever-present low grade anxiety.
The Wonder Of Green Spaces
This is a good time to go outside and just be.
Cold days are still mixed between the warmer ones, which makes nice days even more special. Blue skies and white clouds call for a walk, for sitting on a bench in the park, for a picnic. To feel the sun and the breeze over your skin, close your eyes, take a deep breath.
Read a book under a tree, watch the sunset over the river. Stay still for a moment and let the light and sound of spring wash over you. Look at the flowers and marvel at how intricate or simple they are.
I’ve spent entire afternoons in different botanic gardens, and always found a little peace and a lot of quiet joy there. If you have access to one, it’s a marvelous way to celebrate spring, maybe learn some interesting things3 or just enjoy nature.
The Warmth Of Coming home
And since the nights and the rain are still somewhat cold, there’s the joy of coming home, feeling a little bit chilled, a little bit tired, and sighing as the warmth envelops you.
I love going on adventures, meeting people, being outside to explore parks or hike in the woods. Watching the sunset by the lake or lazy walks across the neighboring fields.
But nothing is quite like the content feeling of coming home after a full day of being outside.
This Week’s Quest - The Joys Of Spring
Here are your tasks, ideas and stuff to think about.
1 - What are your favorite spring moments?
Think about what things bring you joy every spring. Try to go from the generic things - like the weather, flowers, warmer temperatures - to what’s personal to you. For example, for me it would be:
Weather - the cooler nights after a sunny day, when the sunset is overtaken by colorful clouds until it’s dark out, and I can hear the wind whispering through the trees when I go to bed.
Flowers - this year I’m absolutely in love with rhododendrons. There are many species, all of them gorgeous, and I was completely gobsmacked by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s collection. There’s a narrow path that twists between some of the specimens, and every turn was a new delight. As I walked it, I felt like someone purposefully designed these little moments of awe along the pathway.
Warmer temperatures - I can finally wear my favorite dresses, and open the windows in the mornings to listen to the birds as I prepare my mate.
Make a list, if you feel so inclined. Or some doodles, or journaling, or collage… whatever your jam is. Writing it down in some way helps with memorizing and learning, and keeping sources of joy at the forefront of your mind will allow you to enjoy those things more often.
Once you have your list, try to fit one or two things into your schedule this week.
2 - Find a moment of wonder.
Pay attention to the little things. Stay still, take a breath and look around. Be aware of small details. Seek out places and people that you know are joy-makers for you. If you allow it, if you create space for it now and then, you will find small moments of joy.
For example: a few weeks ago, I was sitting here at my desk, working the morning away. I’m lucky to have a big window, and I like to look up from the computer every now and then and watch the trees outside - there are quite a few early-blooming trees in the building’s garden. That morning, the wind was blowing gently, and little by little many white and pink petals would fall from the trees and float away, like a scene from a movie or a dream. It was an inconsequential thing, but I made a point of enjoying it. I opened the curtains a bit wider and allowed myself to just watch, to fully experience that simple magic.
I’m also a fan of watching the sky change colors, following the path and shapes of the clouds as they travel and change. There’s beauty to be enjoyed out there - you just have to look and pay attention.
3 - Go visit a green space, if that’s available for you
A walk in the woods is my favorite, but wandering around in a big park, or sitting down in a little park to watch the greenery and the birds are excellent options. If you can, go spend time in green spaces once a week - it can improve your mood, your creativity and even your health.
If you have the opportunity to visit a botanical garden, go. Be open to be surprised and delighted. Allow yourself to think that the colors and shapes of plants are interesting, to be intrigued by species you’ve never seen before, to dream about having a giant tree in your backyard. Have fun!
4 - Think about coming home
Are there any things you can do or set up to make that moment more welcoming, joyful and spring-like for you?
Take some time to ponder what would make you smile when you arrive home.
Maybe add some plants to the area you first see when you enter the house, or spring clean the ones you already have. If you don’t want to/can’t take care of houseplants, flowers or even artificial plants (there are good looking artificial plants out there, I own a few - you just have to find them) are a good alternative.
Putting away winter stuff that you’re not wearing anymore, like thick scarfs, boots and heavy coats will allow your entrance space to breathe and feel renewed.
You can also think about having stuff ready to prepare spring cocktails, mocktails or snacks when you arrive.
5 - Other ideas
Books & Movies - What books and movies make you think of spring, or feel like spring? Make a list and watch or read some in the coming weeks.
Playlists - Head to Spotify or wherever you listen to your music, and have fun putting together a spring playlist.
Spring Clean - Declutter and organize, if that's your thing. (It certainly is mine.) You can also spring clean your writing, your digital files, your books - anything you feel like organizing.
This Week’s Clues
📚Reads
➡️ How Biophilia Can Improve Your Life
The mere sight of a tree or a houseplant may seem unlikely to offer any significant benefits, but thanks to a growing body of scientific research, it has become clear the human brain really does care about scenery — and craves greenery.
Studies have linked biophilic experiences with lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate, as well as increased creativity and focus, better sleep, reduced depression and anxiety, higher pain tolerance, and even faster recovery from surgery.
Here's a look at the science of biophilia, as well as tips for reaping its rewards, whether you're wandering through an ancient forest or just unwinding on your porch.
➡️ 10 Spring Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired
10 easy-to-follow ideas for some spring photoshoot fun.
You won’t need to travel far to capture great spring photos, by the way. (Many of these ideas can be tackled in your backyard or at a local park!) You don’t need sophisticated gear, either; I offer gear recommendations with each new idea, but you can capture most of these spring pictures with nothing but a cheap camera (or even a smartphone) and some good light.
Taking photos with intention and care is a good way to pay attention to things that usually we’re too busy to notice, and uncover small moments of joy.
🍹 Taste
Recipes for a spring cocktails, mocktails and snacks - easy ways to find spring joy in your kitchen.
🎥 Watch
This gorgeous short movie gave me so much joy, I was tearing up at the end. If you can, headphones on to better enjoy the music and sounds.
🎙️Listen
Birds Sing in the Woods - 2 hours of real time birds singing in the Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria. It’s perfect to just listen, but the video also has looped footage of the forest.
This channel offers lots of nature sounds, including rivers, rain, wind, waves. Lots of options to set the mood and relax.Spring Piano by Spotify - Instrumental music is one of my favorite ways to set the mood for relaxing or focusing, and this playlist goes really well with the changing scenery outside my window.
Spring Vibes 2024 - I’ve been enjoying this upbeat list when I need an energy boost in the afternoon. Lots of songs that make we dance while sitting at my desk. 😁
🌳 Quote
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
―Rainer Maria Rilke
That’s It For Today!
I had a great time writing this one, and putting all the resources together. This project is really helping me find my joy, even while dealing with hard, complicated things.
I hope it’s helpful to you too, so please tell me:
How can I make the quests more useful to yo?
What are your favorite spring joys?
Until next time! —Nospheratt
I think he’ll be an excellent addition to our balcony, since we don’t have pets and we’re not planning on eating him.
Please don’t give bread to birds or ducks or any animal, really. It’s bad for them. And junk food like chips and crackers are even worse. If you want to feed birds or waterfowl, buy birdseed.
For example: did you know that there’s a type of banana that is blue when unripe? I learned that this weekend at the Genève Botanical Garden, and it just makes me happy. First because, how cool! Second, because when I was three years-old I wrote my first story ever, and it featured “a bear with eyes that sparkled like blue bananas”, which I thought only existed in my imagination. I have no idea where I got the notion of blue bananas, but the fact that they are real makes me happy.
(I didn’t physically write it, I dictated it so my parents could write it down. But it was my first work of fiction, and I still have the page were it was recorded for all posterity. 😎 😂)