La Primavera by Pablo Neruda

El pajaro ha venido
a dar la luz:
de cada trino suyo
nace el agua.

Y entre agua y luz que el aire desarrollan
ya esta la primavera inaugurada,
ya sabe la semilla que ha crecido,
la raiz se retrada en la corola,
se abren por fin los parpados del polen.

Todo lo hizo un pajaro sencillo
desde una rama verde.
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Spring

The bird has come
to give the light:
from each trill of his
water is born.

And between water and light that unroll the air
now the spring is inaugurated,
now the seed knows that it has grown,
the root is portrayed in the corolla,
at last the eyelids of pollen unclose.

All this was done by a simple bird
from a green branch.

Spring, rebirth and meditation

Spring has arrived. With the longer hours of sunlight, warm breezes and blooming flowers and trees, it is a beautiful season for rebirth. If you're like me, though, springtime can also be a frenzied period of activities, tasks, travels and stress, whether good or bad.

Along with these challenges comes the opportunity to take a step back, slow down and ground ourselves in the present moment. Take a few minutes every morning and evening to just sit (or stand), completely still. Breathe and let thoughts flow over you without becoming involved in a train of thought. Breathe and repeat the mantra: "I am present," or "I am peace," over and over in your mind. If you practice this technique daily, you will notice a reduction in stress and heightened sense of well-being.

Mentors make a difference

Paso Adelante, in a partnership with NYOS Charter School, offers opportunities for people to volunteer and mentor a 4th or 5th grade student. The time commitment is minimal -- just one hour a week for the 30 weeks per year that school is in session.
I have been mentoring a 5th grade girl since January and have found it to be a mutually beneficial and fun experience for us both.

Research has shown that youth who receive support and guidance from a caring adult will show measurable improvement in achievement. Mentored youth are more likely to stay in school and graduate and develop positive interpersonal relationships. Contact John Johnston at info@pasoadelante.org or 454-3900 to become a Paso Adelante mentor today!