Walking into the small mercantile in Sedona’s old town was a gift I’d long anticipated. Alone and wandering, I moved at the pace of curiosity—visiting art galleries, quiet churches, and spaces that called to me.
In one shop filled with Southwestern treasures, a jewelry counter caught my eye—and behind it stood a woman whose presence was magnetic.
Her long black hair draped behind her shoulders. A wide-brimmed hat, adorned with a single feather tucked into a leather wrap, seemed to cap her energy, which otherwise filled the room. Silver earrings grazed her shoulders—long, unique, and unlike anything I’d seen.
“I love your earrings,” I offered. But sensing a deeper meaning, I quickly added, “What do they represent?”
She met my gaze with eyes that felt ancient, as if carrying stories from many lives. She explained that the shape was known as a squash blossom—rooted in Middle Eastern symbolism with Moorish influence. The horseshoe shape mirrored the Spanish evil eye, a symbol of protection. The next day, on top of the airport mesa hike, a women selling handcrafted jewelry made by her family, was impressed I asked for squash blossom earrings as if I had joined a secret club. Ritualizing spring might be the most important season of life over 40.
.
But in the American Southwest, squash is not just symbolic—it’s essential. A sacred crop among Native tribes, squash represents abundance, nourishment, and the blossoming of life. The earrings, she shared, had been commissioned from a Native American artisan she knew directly. There were no others like them in the store.
As I leaned in closer, I learned more. The squash blossom earrings—though often mistaken for the actual flower—are more symbolic than literal. They represent springtime, prosperity, and a time of flourishing. Though I left the shop empty-handed, the conversation felt like a quiet initiation into a seasonal ritual—one rooted in culture, Growth, and reverence.
Later, I discovered that squash blossom earrings are traditionally worn alongside elaborate, heirloom necklaces—often reserved for ceremonial moments or those of great status and wealth. The layering, the symbolism, the intention—it all echoed the layered unfolding of spring itself.
On our last day in Arizona, I wandered into a small shop in Cave Creek looking for souvenirs for my daughters. I found sweet glass-blown hearts at a garden center. And serendipitously, my car was parked next to a Navajo jewelry store.
Inside the case, just one pair of squash blossom earrings glinted back at me. They were mine.
I brought them home not just as a memento, but as a symbol of personal growth and renewal after a long, internal winter.
Now, when I wear them, I carry the whisper of spring in me—through my work, my intuition, and my calling as a facilitator and teacher.
Like the squash blossom, spring invites expansion. Not just blooming, but becoming. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Closet Transition: Swap out shoes and sweaters, making space for lighter textures and brighter colors. This physical act reflects an internal shift.
Office Refresh: Clear your desk, your inbox, your digital files. Reconnect with clients or collaborators with a simple “thinking of you.”
Bring in Nature: Add a plant, a bowl of citrus, or open the windows. Let the outside in.
Try Something New: Pick up the book that’s been gathering dust. Try a new movement practice or explore a hobby without an outcome in mind.
Notice Rigidity: Where are you holding tension? Can you soften, even just a little?
Track the Light: As days lengthen, how do you want to spend your extra daylight?
Everyday Rituals: Coffee, prayer, a song at a certain hour—ritual doesn’t have to be sacred to be meaningful.
Work Rhythms: Do you set an intention before meetings? Include an agenda? These micro-rituals bring structure and spirit to our daily work.
Ask Yourself:
What is consistent in every season?
What are you willing to shake out this spring?
What dormant part of you is ready to bloom?
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