A country lane,
The hedgerow filled with birdsong;
What do they know?
Yesterday, as I took my morning walk, it was so cold I had to wear my hat, and my gloves. The cold didn’t seem to bother the birds in the hedgerows though.
The Spring Equinox falls today, Thursday 20th March. It signifies that both day and night are of equal length and it is sometimes seen as the first day of spring, although if the ancient calendar is followed then spring began at the start of February. Confused? Yes, the cyclical seasons have certainly changed since ancient times! And so have we, with all our technology!
However, let’s not get bogged down in technology but instead think about why the ancients celebrated this day! Day and night are of equal length, so light and dark are balanced. We can also imagine that the inner and outer worlds are stable, that is, the conscious and the unconscious realms. What about looking forward and backward with a balanced view?
What a great opportunity to celebrate and think of these things before summer activities take over our frenetic lives.
Ashley
A Different View 
Lovely post as always Ashley. I love the idea of this… ‘What about looking forward and backward with a balanced view?’ 🧡
Thank you Mairi, for your wonderful comments. Looking forward and backward comes from my thoughts about our life’s journey; we can only really speak about where we are right now, at this moment. 🤗😊
What a lovely post. Happy equinox! It’s a beautiful day here and as Derek works for himself I have put a slow roast on and we’re about to go for a lovely river walk that goes to the next town. I love following the daylight, it means so much to my emotional health and I like the way you brought in the conscious and unconscious and balance. Thank you for posting. I always look forward to your posts. 🪻🙋🌼🌻🦋🕊️🌱
Thank you Morag. I remember reading Edward Thomas’ book In Pursuit of Spring many years ago where he described cycling from London to Somerset following the progress of spring. It is a fascinating subject. 🤗😊
Wow sounds amazing.
Thank you, Ashley, for your wonderfully thoughtful post, added by the photos! Spring brings the happy thoughts and joy of seeing nature awake from a deep sleep. I have been waiting so long and finally, I can walk “On sunshine”!
Joanna x
Dear Joanna, thank you. Although the last few days have seen some sunny weather it is still cold. However, the birds are singing and so active just now I’m reminded that warmer days are not far away. 🤗😊
That is how I feel too, Ashley!
Joanna
Happy Equinox, Ashley! Spring is here too and if it feels alright 😎🌷🎶
Thank you, Friedrich. What a wonderful time of year it is, hopeful, with the prospect of warm sunshine again. 😊🙏
Happy Mid-Spring, Ashleaf! I love your haiga!! And I really like what you said about why the ancients celebrated the equinox. Hope you enjoy the day!
It is a special time, for all of us. The earth continues on her journey, regardless of the problems we make for ourselves. Happy Equinox! 😊🙏
Enjoy today’s equinox Ashley and thank you for sharing the lovely photos of your walk. i, too, had to wear my muffler and winter cap this morning – but I do like it with the days getting longer. Mike
Hi Michael, the sun has been shining for here for several days but there is no heat as yet. It may be another month before we can dress more lightly. 😊🙏
Happy Equinox Ashley! Lovely photos and post. I’m learning to realize that seasons are different in the different hemispheres. But for both, today is the time of balance and harmony….before the changes begin.
Dear Katelon, thank you and happy Equinox to you too. We pray for balance and harmony, especially in these turbulent days. 🤗😊
Ashley, I love how you bring together nature and reflection so effortlessly. Your thoughts on balance, both external and internal, are most beautifully expressed.
Much love,
David
Dear David, thank you for your wonderful comments. Wishing you a happy spring equinox, sending prayers and thoughts for peace. 😊💓🙏
Hooray for spring! The birds know!
Yes, Camilla, I think they know! 🤗😊
The birds know best! Praise be to the renewal that spring brings 🙂 May summer with its scorching heat stay far away from us here in Southern California.
Dear Rosaliene, thank you for your comments. You may be far from these shores but I send my thoughts and prayers for more settled days. 🤗🙏😊
Much appreciated, Ashley 🙂 ❤
I love this day. Hooray the days get longer now!
Happy Equinox, Ashley ♥
Dear Ute, thank you. Happy Equinox and here’s to warmer longer days. 🤗😊
Happy equinox Ashley. Let’s hope the year, and ourselves, are balanced.
Thank you Ruth. It would be good to see some stability in the world. 🤗🙏
We are definitely betwixt and between. But you’re right, it is kind of a pause between asleep and awake. Good for ruminations. (K)
Thank you Kerfe, It is such a hopeful moment in the earth’s cycle and a shame that the leaders of the world can’t also see and seek hope and peace for all. 🤗🙏🤗
I really don’t understand what these “leaders” think they are gaining. They are already wealthy, but they are very very unhappy, and have to watch their backs constantly. I doubt they have any real friends at all.
Muy hermoso! Un fuerte abrazo.
Thank you Barbara. A hug from “Norn Iron” (it’s the way we say it).
A very enjoyable piece: your words, reflections and images are fabulous 🌸❣️🌺
Dear Luisa, thank you for your lovely comments. 🤗😊
Oh you are so very welcome, Ashley
It’s my pleasure!!💓❤️💓
Wishing you a happy and productive spring, Ashley! Soon it will be warm enough for a walk without hat and gloves, my friend. 😊🌳
Thanks Mike, maybe I’ll get my haircut too! 😉🌞
happy spring ash!
⬻𓂀✧ ✬ღ☆ ∞ ♡ ∞ ☆ღ✬ ✧𓂀⤖
Many thanks Graham. 🌞🙏🌞
💫🙇♂️😌🙏✨
I’m a huge fan of country lanes, and I love the shot you shared. Enjoy Springtime, Ashley!☀️
Thank you Lisa. Sending springtime wishes to you. 🌞🤗😊