There is that first weekend when it’s not yet spring but already bright and warm for the first time since November. And the scarf is suddenly too much and the shoes are ok. I spot first snow drops, stubborn daffodil stalks are piercing dry (dry!) soil, birds are singing and sunsets are basking in warm glow colouring everything in soft pink hues.

This is it! Spring is coming. Fresh abundant smells tantalise the nostrils. Everything, everything promises hope! Colours are brighter, nights are longer, nip in the air is gone for good. And that week of snowmageddon when everything was at standstill, plans were abandoned and everyone had bad fever or cabin fever is gladly over. Goodbye grey dull days and dark freezing nights and purple stiff toes and dry skin! Goodbye fireplace fires and radiator hugs and gloves and rich winter soups and heavy boots! Goodbye extra weight and hibernation. I am full of energy and overwhelmed with excitement.

Like nature I wake up in spring. Energy is surging and I feel like jumping to the sky and screaming Bring It On! I am not good with winters. I die a little bit. But I survived. Again. And I am back. And I am looking forward to long nights, warm breeze, garden chairs, cold drinks, light dresses, big dreams, friend hugs and smiles, smiles everywhere.

I am now unstoppable. I love you, spring!!!

I finally got the book, the first translated edition (UK readers, you can get one here). And it is amazing. Nothing like what I expected! It is not about death at all. It is about enlightenment, how to achieve it and how to live according to Buddhist principles. I read only a couple of pages and already had a few profound insights, like the quote below. It is not an easy read – lots of references and ‘Buddhist jargon’, but it is an enlightening one and many pages read like a song (well, they are designed like prayers). I now read a couple of pages of this book instead of meditating. Namaste, nomads, have a nice weekend!