Spring is fast approaching. For me, the season always brings thoughts of change and hope. I am not one for New Year’s Resolutions, but as the weather warms to I find myself reflecting on what areas of my life might need a little fresh air, a gentle dusting off or perhaps an entirely new coat of paint.

As I start this process of inner refreshment, I am reminded of the importance of just allowing a soft awareness of the sticky areas. I can find the tools and supplies a little further down the road once I am clearer on exactly how things are now.

This is true whether the life area involves adopting a new habit (such as a an exercise routine), reducing an old pattern (such as drinking a bit too much), restarting a past enjoyment (such as painting or drawing) or simply striving to know oneself a little better (such as through meditation).

To begin to change anything, we must first become aware of how things are right now. Without such insight, we continue to act and react in our habitual ways without ever recognizing that there is an aspect of our lives or experiences that is calling out to us. We remain stuck without knowing we are stuck.

In the moment we are able to access simple awareness, without expectations or immediate intentions, we awaken the seeds of change that may be needed.

It is akin to finding your way to a destination with a map. If you do not first know where you are starting from, the location on a map is useless.

Once we spend some focused time in the light of awareness, it becomes easier to see how we want to grow and to plot the path, one small step at a a time.