easter: a wonderful time for reflection
“Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.” — S.D. Gordon
“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” — Harriet Ann Jacobs
Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and reflection. It is a time when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, even for those who do not celebrate Easter for religious reasons, it can be a wonderful time for reflection and renewal.
It's not a coincidence that the Christian church picked this period to commemorate Jesus' life and death. Even before Christianity came into practice, people celebrated the coming of spring by organizing grand festivals and sacrifices to honor their goddesses of spring.
In fact, there’s a chance the word “Easter” could be derived from the pagan word Eostre who was the goddess of fertility and birth. The pagans believed she came to earth every year around what we now call springtime to bestow light and warmth on the land. And so, they held extravagant celebrations in Eostre's honor to herald her arrival so as not to enrage the goddess.
Spring is a time of rebirth and growth, and Easter coincides with this season perfectly. As we witness new life emerging all around us, it is only natural to reflect on our own lives and the changes we have experienced.
Reflection time is extremely valuable and becoming increasingly scarce in our modern lives, which have become crowded with endless work and social activities. The longer days and warmer weather provide a perfect opportunity to both go within and re-align with our goals, values, and priorities as well as step outside and take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Easter is also a time for family and community. It is a time to gather with loved ones and share in the joy of the season. This can be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the importance of these relationships in our lives, and to express gratitude for the people who make our lives richer and more meaningful.
Lastly, Easter is a time to reflect on our own personal growth and renewal. It is a time to start with a blank slate — to let go of past mistakes and regrets, and to focus on the future with hope and optimism. By taking the time to reflect on our own lives during this season, we can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
Happy Easter to all of you!
