Saturday, April 6, 2019

April 6, 2019

"The beautiful spring came, and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs
 
Dear Aspen Chapel Families,

      As Spring lets us know it's here with the singing of morning birds, the receding snow on the golf course in Aspen, the cyclists in the lower valley, and the tips of daffodils in neighbor's yards, we begin to set ritual and tradition in motion, whether we're aware of it or not. Perhaps we purge forgotten items from our cluttered closets, begin thinking about our flower boxes and clearing sleds and old leaves off the porch, or buy white eggs in anticipation of dipping them in colorful dye. Whatever we do to welcome Spring, it can become richer if we slow down and recognize the power in ritual and see the connection between cleaning our homes and planting seeds, and clearing out negative thinking and planting seeds of gratitude in our hearts.
     When children are involved in the rites and rituals throughout the year, I believe it gives them a sense of identity, purpose, and meaning. Most religions recognize the patterns of seasons and the regeneration of life during Spring. So whether we're preparing for a large Passover gathering, dyeing Easter Eggs (which has roots in Pagan traditions), praising Buddha for Ohigan, or chanting and dancing in the Native American traditions, it's a time to involve our children so they may recognize the power of renewal within after enduring the long winter months.
     Tomorrow at the Chapel, children are invited to witness a Baptism upstairs. We will then move downstairs to plant seeds and draw the connection between caring for a plant and caring for our selves. We'll discuss the ways we care for our natural environment, how we care for our bodies for vitality, and how we can care for our hearts. We hope to see you all.

If you ever have any questions
regarding our services or your
children's needs, please email
me at michelle@aspenchapel.org

In Peace and Blessings,
Michelle Skagen
Aspen Chapel Youth Coordinator

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