Chapter 33
Spring Awakening and Family Ghosts
Spring. Mistawis black and sullen for a week or two, then flaming in sapphire and turquoise, lilac and rose again, laughing through the oriel, caressing its amethyst islands, rippling under winds soft as silk. Frogs, little green wizards of swamp and pool, singing everywhere in the long twilights and long into the nights; islands fairy-like in a green haze; the evanescent beauty of wild young trees in early leaf; frost-like loveliness of the new foliage of juniper-trees; the woods putting on a fashion of spring flowers, dainty, spiritual things akin to the soul of the wilderness; red mist on the…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Growth Gaps
Think of a time when you changed or grew significantly - maybe through education, a new job, therapy, or a major life experience. Write down three specific ways you're different now than you were before. Then identify one relationship or situation from your past that would feel impossible to return to because of this growth.
Consider:
- •Growth often happens gradually, so changes might be bigger than you initially realize
- •Consider both positive changes and necessary boundaries you've developed
- •Notice whether the people or situations you've outgrown have remained static or changed too
Journaling Prompt
Write about a relationship or environment you've outgrown. What would it take for you to feel comfortable there again? Is that realistic or even desirable?
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