Re-emergence

Many years ago,  a dear friend of mine happened across what she called ‘the day of the frogs’ . She had been over for an evening of soap making and had just moved into the area. When she left to drive home, she was a bit unsure of directions, so I made her promise me that she would text to let me know that she was home safe. When I got the text letting me know that all was well, she told me that it was not without event. She explained that she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw hundreds of frogs hopping all over the road. Driving home had become like the 1980s video game Frogger. The goal being to make it home while avoiding the frogs. What she had called the ‘day of the frogs’ was actually the process in which they wake up from a dark sleep and crawl out of their mud laden lair to sluggishly fight to breed before they lay their spawn in any tablespoon of water that they can find.

For years afterwards, we have laughed about ‘the day of the frogs’ as it was not only something to behold (in her case), but I had never seen it. It felt like some lore that may or may not be true. That is until a few days ago, when I experienced the phenomena first hand.

This past weekend, as I walked through a Caledonian forest, I stumbled upon a path strewn with sleepy frogs. And when I say strewn, there were hundreds of frogs slowly coming to life after a winter spent being held by the dark mud of the forest floor. Some were frozen in stillness, others hopped sleepily into hiding at the sight of me and the odd couple were in the throes of procreating. I nearly laughed out loud- it was the mythical ‘day of the frogs’!  I had to work very hard to avoid crushing them with my footfall. I couldn’t imagine how my friend avoided them with her car all those years ago.

This ‘day of the frogs’ is a true harbinger of spring, but it also got me thinking about our own re-emergence. What is it like to crawl out of our mud laden lairs? We all have periods of descent in our lives. This could be due to a series of losses, financial struggle, depressions or physical illnesses. However, it’s in the descent in which transformation can take place. Indeed, there can be growth, despite the fear and vulnerability that can accompany dark times.

Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun,PhD developed a theory called Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). They identify five different areas of growth that can occur after emerging from any life setback that can shake our sense of self. They are

• Appreciation of life.
• Relationships with others.
• New possibilities in life.
• Personal strength.
• Spiritual change.

When we are going through difficult times, our best laid plans often get disrupted and there can be a need for new goal setting and a necessity to keep going, despite our current circumstances. It can also be a time to deepen relationships as it is essential to turn to others for support. However, in order for new plans to evolve and connections to be strengthened, we need to remain open and curious for growth to occur. This is a central tenet in mindfulness practice.

In other words,  we need to be brave like the frogs, emerging from the mud, groggily finding their way despite their vulnerability in the light of day.

So at this time of Spring equinox, we might ask ourselves what mud are we emerging from? How can we be open and brave and maybe even set some new goals for ourselves? How might we move forward mindfully into a new beginning?

-Jane

Click below to listen to and download a meditation with a spring reflection.