Calm, clear, and focused

We are close to the Spring Equinox, the pinnacle of Spring where day meets night, and their polarities are in perfect balance. Although this may seem like a harmonious time of the year, it’s anything but. Spring is governed by the fire element and makes us feel a wild and untempered energy. Although this may seem counterintuitive (and some frameworks do indeed assign the fire element to Summer), it is helpful to consider what element propels the seasonal flux instead of what element seems most dominant in a given time.

The fire element in Spring activates us, pushes us to grow and ignites our passions. It brings us into a state of creative chaos, a highly productive but potentially distracting state where it is hard to maintain focus. And if we are not deliberate in our intent, this fiery state can also prematurely burn up our precious energy.

Even though our energy is still limited, the mind tends to reach for the stars at the pinnacle of Spring. I observe this within myself and also in the people around me. I feel quite overwhelmed by the magnitude of everything I want to do this year, unsure how to fit it all in or make everything work together. I also tend to feel rushed or pressed for time with too many pots on the fire.

Spring is an exciting time if we know how to move with it gracefully. Seeds of intention we sowed earlier are germinating and starting to compete for our attention, but we can not give everything we set out to do this year our full, undivided attention. If we do not make deliberate choices about what to focus on, whatever seems most urgent or pressing will claim us, and as a result, we move frantically from one thing to the next, losing sight of the bigger picture.

There are better strategies for long-term, sustainable growth towards our ideal state, which I also discussed in earlier letters. While we let ourselves roam freely, dreaming and fantasising in Winter, Spring invites us to retrieve a calm, clear, and focused state that will help us grow and flourish.

Here is how I do it, and through my retreats, I know this process works well for others, too. I start with the deliberate acknowledgement that some things I set out to do will not see the light of day this year. Then, I create space by deliberately refusing further attention to some projects. As a result, I need to make intentional choices about what matters. I identify one or maybe two, but no more than three projects that will help me grow and develop, regardless of their desired outcome, result, or perceived success.

I can usually identify one project that carries the potential for exponential growth within it. Focusing on this one project has the potential to push forward everything else I set out to do. I want to emphasise the word ‘potential’ here, for I cannot foresee or know precisely the effects of my dedicated effort beforehand.

This Spring, my one project is a PhD proposal I am writing. If I am successful in my effort (meaning I get the position), I believe it will help me push forward many auxiliary goals I have far ahead into my future. Should I get rejected, I still know I have activated a pathway of renewed academic passion that will help me grow and develop regardless of my desired outcome. Furthermore, the prospect excites me tremendously, and that excitement is what I recommend you be on the lookout for as well.

Perhaps you already know what your one project is—and let me know if you do! It is imperative to create space for your precious seedling to grow. This means either eliminating, postponing, or radically simplifying everything that is not in service to its growth. Even better is to try to incorporate the responsibilities you have so that they no longer compete for your attention but in some way contribute to your project.

You may also need to withdraw from things you previously committed to. Help others think through the consequences of your no (or your ’not right now’), perhaps suggesting possible alternatives, but dare to take the hit.

Spring’s fiery energy will help you fuel your growth. Remember to breathe and find the sweet spot between feeling aroused while staying calm, clear, and focused. Happy Equinox!