Hope Springs Eternal 🌷
By Sharon Marshall, Executive Director, CARFAC BC
As we approach the spring equinox, we find ourselves in a moment of perfect balance: day and night, light and dark, renewal and reflection. For many Indigenous peoples, this time holds deep significance and marks a transition into a new season of growth, transformation, and reconnection with the land and our communities.
Especially in these times of political, planetary, and personal uncertainty, I find myself digging deeply into the values of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. They offer a grounded perspective that guides me toward resilience. The teachings of reciprocity, respect, and relationship, values deeply embedded in Indigenous worldviews, remind me that I am not separate from the natural world but an integral part of it. The Earth’s cycles mirror my life and teach me that even in moments of darkness, there is always the promise of light.
I love spring. It is a time for planting, not only in the physical sense but spiritually and emotionally as well. What seeds are we planting in our hearts and minds? Are we nurturing relationships that sustain us? Are we making space for new possibilities? This season calls us to move with intention, honouring the wisdom of our ancestors and embracing the responsibilities we carry forward.
Many Indigenous cultures observe the equinox with ceremonies that give thanks for the changing season, acknowledging the gifts of the Earth and the interconnectedness of all beings. These traditions remind us to slow down and listen: to the land, to our elders, and to the wisdom within ourselves.
As we navigate these uncertain times, let the spring equinox serve as a guidepost. Let it be a moment to pause and reflect on how we are showing up in the world. How can we embody balance in our daily lives? How can we weave reciprocity and respect into our relationships, our work, and our communities?
This season invites us to step forward with renewed purpose, embracing both the challenges and the opportunities ahead. Just as the Earth begins to bloom, so can we, when we align ourselves with the rhythms of nature and the teachings of those who have stewarded these lands for generations.
With everything happening in the world right now, I felt compelled to share this message because spring, for me, is a time of hope. What does this season mean to you? How are you welcoming the equinox in your own way?
