While much of North America is experiencing Arctic temperatures we here on the island of Majorca are seeing the valleys below the Tramuntana mountains covered in the “snow” of blooming almond trees that signal the first signs of spring.
Chinese mythology compares spring to a gigantic dragon rising from the depths of the underground. It is symbolic of the powerful earth energy that rises from deep below, expanding and finding space to express its true beauty and power.
The Majorcan legend tells us that a king brought his beloved to the island from a snowy country. Problem was that the poor lady got very homesick, missing the snow this time of the year. So the king went about planting almond trees all over the island that indeed look like the valleys are covered in snow when they start blooming in February.
We can learn so much from nature if we really observe and hear her whisper. The Chinese teaching of the Five Elements, deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy, is all about the yielding to nature, and finding the right time and place for every action.
Spring is the time of year when energies are expanding, and action is called for. Any vision or dream will remain a dream if we don’t take concrete action. If we want a harvest we need to prepare the soil and plant the seeds.
In the cycle of the elements, Spring is associated with the element of wood, like a tree sucking up the juices from the roots deep below, expanding and feeding the sprouting blossoms and leaves.
If we want to become what we are destined to become, we need to have that room and space to expand. All too often the voices of parents, friends, teachers and family members want to push us into a direction that might fulfill society’s image of what success is, but not what intuition and heart desire are yearning for.
Spring is therefore a good time of the year to do check list on whether you are being true to yourself. Look into the mirror and ask yourself:
- Am I taking daily action, even with small things to pursue my dream?
- Do I have a support group of friends and family positively empowering me?
- Am I being distracted by other things such as a job that is taking so much energy from my life that I don’t have any energy left for anything else?
Taming the dragon is about harnessing its power in moving forward in the expression of our true and unique individuality.
Reino Gevers – Author, Mentor and Consultant
