Finding beauty in both the sunshine and the shade
There’s something about spring that encourages us to pay closer attention to the light.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been noticing how the changing position of the sun and the increasing light is transforming our gardens here at Earth Rhythms.
The Californian poppies have been opening their beautiful orange flowers beneath the fresh yellow-green foliage of our dogwoods. Elsewhere, the pigface is putting on a spectacular display of pink blooms, attracting butterflies enjoying the arrival of spring.
One of the things I love about both these plants is how their flowers open to welcome the sunshine and close again as the light disappears.
Watching them recently reminded me of Xavier Rudd’s song Follow the Sun and a conversation I’d had with my business mentor about owning our light.
It got me thinking about what it means to follow our own light, embrace what brings us joy and allow ourselves to shine.
The Changing Light
One of the things I’ve particularly enjoyed since moving to the farm is observing how the sun’s journey across the sky changes throughout the seasons.
Here in the Southern Hemisphere, as we move towards summer, the days lengthen and the sun sets progressively further towards the southwest. As winter approaches, its path shifts northwards again, setting further towards the northwest.
These seasonal changes create beautiful patterns of light and shade across our property.
As the afternoon sun moves behind our house, our back deck becomes a lovely shaded place to sit. Looking out, parts of the garden are in shade, others enjoy dappled sunlight, while the back paddock beyond remains bathed in sunshine.
It’s becoming one of my favourite times of day. Sitting with an afternoon cuppa, watching the garden and appreciating the changing landscape.
I’m looking forward to the warmer weather, enjoying barbecues, perhaps a glass of wine and more afternoons spent outdoors.
Following Our Own Light
Despite spring’s arrival, we’ve recently experienced some rather cold, windy and overcast days. We’ve even had the fire burning again at night!
Yet the garden continues to awaken. The wisteria and tea trees are flowering, the dogwoods are producing their fresh foliage, and something new seems to emerge every day.
Nature reminds us that everything has its own rhythm.
Just as some plants flourish in sunshine while others prefer shade, our own needs change as we move through life’s seasons.
There are times when we feel inspired to step forward, embrace opportunities and share our gifts with the world. And there are times when we need to slow down, seek shelter and rest.
Perhaps following our light isn’t about constantly chasing sunshine. It’s about recognising what nourishes us, embracing what brings us joy and having the courage to be ourselves.
It’s also about appreciating the quieter moments.
An afternoon cuppa, butterflies dancing between flowers or simply watching the changing light across the garden.
Sometimes we become so busy doing that we forget the pleasure of simply being.
And perhaps that’s what those little orange poppies have been reminding me.
To welcome the light when it arrives, honour our need for rest when it fades and remember that there’s beauty to be found in both the sunshine and the shade.
A Little Reflection
What brings light into your life, and are you allowing yourself the time and space to enjoy it?
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