January and February felt like tough months this year, with widespread flooding and then bitterly cold weather sweeping northern Europe. However, March has seen a change in energy. Many of my clients have noticed, and brought fresh optimism and hope to our coaching sessions.
Spring in nature coaching
Spring has shown up in coaching work lately. One client remarked on finding a single blossom-laden tree in an otherwise bare park. It lifted their mood, and they began to develop a metaphor for the fresh start they were seeking in their own lives. We explored what might be different if we were to meet in the same park next spring.
The meaning of spring
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the earliest form of ‘spring’ was ‘springing time’. This comes from the Old English ‘springan’ – ‘to leap, burst forth, fly up; spread, grow.’ When the sun crosses the celestial equator on the March equinox (20 March this year), it triggers the start of spring in the northern hemisphere (and autumn in the southern).
There is a pacing to the progression of spring that feels comforting. The season travels north at a slow walking pace – approximately 2 miles per hour. It takes about three weeks to cover the UK. Studies in 2015 showed that wildlife accompany spring at a range of rates. Speedy ladybirds move northwards at 6.5mph, versus the more sedate first leafing of oak trees (1.3mph).
Benefits of spring
Greater light levels are essential for a range of health benefits, and trigger production of mood-boosting serotonin. But the appearance of more visible wildlife (including blossoming plants) is also part of the springtime bounce. Researchers at the University of Derby found that people who created more sensory wildlife features in their gardens reported a deeper connection with nature.A And vice-versa!
We are part of nature too. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that we respond to the seasons and their accompanying natural communities. There is a comforting inevitability to these cycles and their pacing, and our own inter-dependence with nature. As American author and naturalist Hal Borland put it, ‘No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn’. Perhaps reflecting on this may help us be kind and patient with ourselves, as we plan the changes in our own lives.
Blossoming through nature based coaching
My blossoming client agreed to take just a single insight and action to work on. To endeavour to do their best, and to bring their friends and family into their process. But perhaps their most valuable work was just slowing down and noticing their growth this ‘springingtime’. I have little doubt they will be more aware of the nature around them in the coming months ahead.
If you’d like to benefit from nature based coaching this spring, just drop us a line.