Why February Feels Like Spring

By the solar calendar’s reckoning, spring begins around February 4th. Some may find this preposterous. How can it be that spring begins in such cold, dark days? Yet, everything must begin somewhere. Even the mighty river must form from a trickle. February is that trickle. Perhaps, even that droplet.

Let us observe: we have made it through the darkest weeks of the year, and the light is growing stronger. The days are growing longer. This certainly feels spring-like. We have also all begun to settle into this thing called “the new year.” Most of January feels like a recovery from December, and is regarded as a time for setting resolutions and intentions. You get your house in order for the months ahead. But by the time February rolls around, your resolutions have settled into a rhythm (or else been forgotten or abandoned). The flurry of to-dos seems less intense. You have a bit more bandwidth. Just like spring, you can feel a sense of renewal stir within you.

I find that February holds both the joys of winter and spring. The world has a contented, quiet look to it. Holiday decorations are put away, and there is a sense that we are not trying to be much of anything. We simply exist. No bright berries. No blossoms. On the surface, the natural world seems suspended. We find an equilibrium this month before the true quickening begins to take hold. At the same time, I can’t help but browse garden websites and plan. The dream of warmth and growth feels real in February. Just beyond our fingertips. That hope, that striving — that is the spring.

Let us not underestimate the power of the mind, either. If I say to you, "It’s still winter," you will feel that season in your heart. But if you look at the calendar and see that spring is beginning, your outlook will change, too. Those crows and eagles flying against a bright sky carry not a sense of desolation but an energy that endures despite the cold. Because of the cold.

At this time of year, spring may only be found in two places — in the light and in your heart. That is enough.