If you’ve been in the office recently, you may have noticed the exceptionally large peace lily Landon contributed to our space. As he made a new home for it, he declared, “I want to green this place up. New life!” Now our outdoor surroundings have decided to join in the sense of alive-ness as our grass, shrubs and trees are beginning to bear new leaves.

Between patterns of behavior we see in the office and the wisdom gleaned from the rhythms of nature, we’ve noticed a pattern. Growth requires resources, namely time and energy.
In this vernal season, there are a few ways we can begin to use our time and energy to anticipate growth. Clear out what is no longer a conduit to life. Whether it’s toxicity in our environment, our relationships or what we invite into our body, a quick cleaning up will create space for new growth. Then we can plant the seeds of new thought patterns, habits, and behaviors that cultivate an overall sense of well being.

On a practical level:

• Take inventory of your immediate surroundings. Do you notice clutter around your home? Consider removing the things in your environment that don’t usher a sense of joy or lack usefulness on a daily level. You’ll be rewarded with a sense of ease as you rest in your home space.
• Create some openness in your schedule. Nothing new will grow where something is already planted. If you’d like to see more rest, more exercise, or more time with friends, you will have create the space for it to grow.
• Give yourself permission to learn. Remember, to “be green” sometimes implies lack of experience: and that’s okay! Honor early growth with excitement instead of expecting perfection.