In Like A Lion

It's March. In like a lion, they say.

A foot of new snow forced the closure of the dojo yesterday. No "real" training got done, but I did shovel out the walk and our two cars, so I think that counts for something.

Today — now that the shoveling is all done — is a beautiful day: The sun is bright in a cloudless sky, and even though all around is white and cold, while observing the melting ice you can feel that the life energy undeniably on the rise.

Spring is coming. Days are longer. We move the clocks move forward this weekend. And underneath all that snow, I know the flowers are popping up. Saw them just last week.

Most everyone I know is sick of winter, and for none too few, this March storm added insult to injury. It has been a long winter. (Though, by the calendar, it's really no longer than last year, or any other.) But I'm surprised to find that I'm enjoying the inclement weather this week, and all the hassles that go with snow and ice and slush and salt just don't faze me. Perhaps it's because I know it can't last much longer. Or maybe it's because Ava asked me to go make snow angels with her, in that irresistible way that only a 2-year-old can.

Wrote about growth in my "Martial Musings" blog earlier week. And like a seed under the soil, I'm working on my own "inner" growth through more meditation, and reading, and by a few learning new skills.

I'm really looking forward to the two Saturday-morning seminars I have planned for March — they'll be a nice break in the normal training pattern. And at the end of the month, a new beginner's class kicks off.

Weather-wise, things are off to a rough start, but March is shaping up to be a great month. And I'm feeling so grateful about my life's unfolding that it's almost like Thanksgiving has come early this year.