Spring - A Season Of Renewal, Rebirth & Rejuvenation

Transitions

There’s that moment when winter transitions to spring where hope blooms. All that was covered by snow is suddenly revealed: bare trees, muddy lawns, and leaves from last fall. It isn’t pretty. However, it is brief.

If you look closely you’ll see the hope of spring in the crocuses that pop up from the ground next to a thawing chunk of snow. If you listen you’ll hear the sweet song of cardinals and chickadees welcoming the dawn of a new day, along with our infamous geese coming home after wintering away. If you smell discerningly you’ll notice the faint hint of earth that is ready for new growth. 

Ah yes. The hope of spring is here. Refreshment is on its way.

A journey of continuous growth 

Just as Nature is coming alive, waking up & being reborn, the same thing is happening within you. Your Spirit is ready to beam with hope & excitement. Parts of you are being reborn & activated in ways they never have before.

Spring ushers in warming winds of change like a breath of fresh air. This metaphor allows me to remember that the cold and dormancy that winter brings isn’t the end - but a part of the everlasting cycle of Life & Death. Aligning with the rhythms in Nature reminds me to not fear letting go of the old, and instead, invites me to trust in the natural unfolding of each cycle, season and phase of my life as I step into the unknown potentiality of a new dawn.

From the seed of your dreams you conceive in winter, to the active preparation you undertake to nurture it in spring, to celebrating its blossoming in summer, to integration the lessons learned with gratitude in the fall, to cocooning back into conception in the winter - growth has always been a part of our Human Experience. Even now, as winter thaws into spring, we are reminded that new growth awaits.

Preparing for the new 

There is preparation needed before rebirth and new growth. The flowerbeds in front of your house need some work. They need to be cleaned of old leaves and weeds. Old annuals need their dead stems removed. The soil could use some turning over. New seeds need to be planted. Just as we start tending to our physical gardens again, here are a few guidelines to help you tend to your own inner garden - your mind, body and soul - to feel renewed & refreshed:

1.Clear your space - In order to be able to fully receive the newness this season has to offer, we first have to clear out the old and outdated. Clean out what no longer is inspiring you or that is cluttering your space. Crack open your windows, light some incense and cleanse your space. Getting your physical environment cleaned out will also help clear out your mind as you get focused on what it is that you want to bring to life.

2. Connect with Nature - Get out for a walk and breathe in the fresh air. Let the sun awaken and refreshen your heart this spring. Head out for an early morning sunrise walk to catch the first sun rays, letting yourself be inspired by a new day. BONUS: Take your morning exercise routine outside!

3. Move your body - Make time for yoga or exercise first thing in the morning to promote clarity and renewed energy. Spring is also a good time of year to physically push yourself with longer, more intense workouts. Consider biking, jogging, hiking, or swimming and try to exercise in the morning, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Remember to listen to your body and do something you enjoy!

4. Eat light & fresh - Support your body's natural desire to purify and renew by favoring pungent (ginger, black pepper, chili pepper, small amounts of cayenne pepper), bitter (cabbage family vegetables), and astringent (leafy greens) tastes and by eating warm, light foods that are relatively easy to digest. These habits help balance mucus production, regulate moisture levels, and serve to open the channels of elimination so critical for purification.

5. Get clear on what you want - Because this is the season of illumination, spring brings clarity. This is the time to get really clear on what you want to see grow in your life & what you want to harvest. What excites you right now? What are you drawn toward? Approach your daydreams & new ideas with a light-hearted, child-like spirit: if it calls to you … go for it!

Whether you are already embracing springtime, or still find yourself feeling stuck in the heaviness of winter, let’s remember the gift that this season has to offer - the sense of hope for new beginnings. Our Spirit longs to shake off the cold and snow of winter and burst forth with new life, so let’s do the best we can to prepare for its blossoming and step into the light.