BY BILL GERLACH | JOIN ME ON TWITTER

“How little note is taken of the deeds of Nature! Who reports the works and ways of the clouds, those wonderous creations coming into being every day like freshly upheaved mountains.” — John Muir

I took this picture a few weeks back. We have a small spot in our yard where every year these simple, beautiful crocuses blossom. This is always one of our first signs of spring. And not far behind, that feeling of rejuvenation starts to bubble up.

For some reason, rejuvenation feels different this year — deeper, more meaningful, beyond myself. Perhaps you feel it too.

I am trying to be more mindful throughout the day, staying in the present moment and not being distracted. Being outside helps tremendously with this. Nature is such an amazing teacher when you stop, look, and listen deeply to what She is saying.

If you feel rejuvenation tugging too, here are a few things that can help see it through:

• Breathe. The simple act of breathing is amazing. It calms and centers you. Focusing on your breath is a sure path to being in the moment. Know when you are breathing in; know when you are breathing out. Such clarity allows you to see and feel deeper, allowing that rejuvenation to really take hold.
• Purge. You know that feeling when you have cleaned a room or a basement or a shed. Seize that. Shedding the unnecessary—whether it is stuff, thoughts, emotions, or media—makes room for what is truly important in our lives. An empty vessel can be filled with wonderful things.
• Reset. Expectations and priorities have a way of getting away from us. With a centered mind and uncluttered view, go ahead and hit the reset button. Clean slates are a pathway to new ways of being and doing. Minimalist masters espouse focusing on only a small number of activities daily. Doing so allows you to accomplish your goals well.
• Recharge. If your batteries are low, everything you do will be far from your best. Take the time to get outside and soak in Nature’s energy. Or do something that you haven’t done in a while that use to get your motor running. If you are purging the unnecessary from your life you will have more time to do more re-charging. It’s amazing how those dots connect.
• Reconnect. Having the time to reconnect with family and friends leads to all sorts of things. It could be as simple as a game of kickball with your kids or reading them a story at night; or having a quiet conversation with your special someone after the hustle and bustle of the day is over. These moments are what living is about.

Be well,
Bill