With spring here, a true sense of renewal has arrived in many forms. Our intuitive self-help expert, Austin-based Resonance Repatterning Practitioner, Mary Schneider, explains the importance of creating the new, while acknowledging the past.

THERE, NOW HERE

Suddenly the promise of this spring brings a feeling of renewal. Difficult, dark days of the pandemic break into a shower of bright blooms. With proper governance and administration, the potential vaccine has given us the signature emotion of spring…hope. As we move into these hopeful days, we see through that long tunnel toward the light. Might the light herald a return to some semblance of normalcy?

So much today seems to be springing into freshness–so many new beginnings. The younger generation will be returning to school en masse. There is a new government in Washington. Others are returning to their offices, while some never will again, and people are further re-examining their careers. In the wake of this novelty, much of what we have known simply slips away. The pandemic foisted change upon us, and we wisely responded by letting go. In many cases, we let go of much that we would not have otherwise.

In the Ayurvedic chakra system, the throat chakra oversees new beginnings. Interestingly, it also rules letting go. As we are all a part of nature, we are at the same time nature itself. In fact, we are subject to much of that which occurs in it. The trees and plants let go of their bark and leaves so that they will return anew in spring. Humans let go to make way for the new. This throat chakra is also about truth and speaking your truth with courage. Communicating in this way makes people listen so that you can be authentically heard. People are drawn to the truth like moths to a flame. A deep resonance is felt, and no amount of logic or statistic can alter the listener’s belief in that truth. This connection is a profound experience.

VENTURE FORWARD

As we venture from learning to let go in service to the pandemic’s demands, then with what are we left? If you’ve ever lost or given something away, you know letting go is a process. Some processes are much easier than others. The more challenging the letting go, the greater the potential for growth. The adage, the harder you work, the greater the return, is very true. Considering the amount of letting go required of us in 2020, we certainly experienced tremendous growth.

With growth, often the most fertile soil of the human experience is the family. Our family systems are profound settings of both challenge and resolution. Family members can trigger our emotions, both negative and positive. If we look at these situations as opportunities for growth, then we are using them for our highest good–and also for the benefit of our family members. We all realize that it’s often easier said than done.

Don Miguel Ruiz, who authored The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, offers these tips that outline his four agreements:

• Be impeccable with your word.
• Don’t take anything personally.
• Don’t make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

The second agreement, Don’t take anything personally, is one answer to family challenges and communication. It is rich with potential and interpretation. As the basis of that agreement, Ruiz helps us to stay out of anybody else’s business. He also wants us to be supportive and keep positive boundaries and limits. When we do not take anything personally, unkind words do not phase us. We feel no compulsion to respond, and that conflict has nowhere to go. It can just fizzle out. Ruiz’s other agreements are also worthy and thought-provoking.

With new beginnings, it is beneficial to look at the newness around us. Perhaps we might commit to finding one thing to let go of…and one new thing to bring into our life. Maybe you have already had enough to let go of and enough of the new. This is also perfect for you to have a safe, healthy, and hopeful spring.