“Transitionary Month”

by Dr. Larry Morris

There's an old saying that March rushes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. This is a transitionary month which ushers in a profound change in nature and in ourselves: the old winter days and nights give way to the soothing warmth of spring. The stark barren trees and colorless grass melt into pale green beauty throughout this month of transformation. When there is a change in the seasons, we sometimes feel unsettled—we have become so used to winter, the way everything feels and looks, that when the outer change begins to happen, we, too, go through a time of inner release and transition. This is a joyous time because we actually see the creative process of new life coming into being throughout this month. Each day we see trees coming into blossom, grass turning green, flowers blooming in loveliness. As the 13th century Chinese Zen Master Wu-men said, "Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.”