Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”
~Robin Williams
It feels as if the seasons can't quite make up their minds whose turn it is to be in the limelight right now. It feels like a two seasons in one day, or actually maybe even every hour in Devon, UK where I am: cold - warm - snow - wind - ice - sun - rainbow - frost - warmish again. Winter is still hanging around peaking through its weary eyes, while Spring is prancing around excitedly, happy to be making an appearance.
“Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.”
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Spring is the season of new beginnings and we too feel this response to nature within, yang energy rising, wanting to get outdoors more, ready for the next act, feeling a shift in energy around our work, projects and making plans.
What can we observe in nature around us in spring
Spring is nature’s reminder that after death comes rebirth. Life force is rising again the earth is coming back to life.
Spring is the beginning of the rising yang energy cycle of the seasons. We are beginning to see buds sprouting to life around us, we start to hear the birds twittering away. Light is overtaking the dark, the sun starts to feel stronger.
Like all beginnings spring starts slowly and gently. We can do the same in our activity, starting gently and slowly.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, a time to plant the seeds and to nourish that that will support our intentions and dreams.
Ask yourself what sense, intuition, idea is growing in your that you would like to nurture, what you need to let go of to make room for a fresh start to the season
What would a spring clean of your life look like for you?
What are your cobwebs that need blowing away?
In what areas of your life do you need to take a breath of fresh air?
What would you like to bring to life?
What seeds want to be planted and have space to grow?
What is the whisper you've been hearing that it is time to respond to?
Ease into the process as you shake off winter and plant the seeds with intention.
Tips on how to live in tune with spring
When we let the seasons guide us, we align our energy with the nature that surrounds us, we do not burn out. Instead we recharge and channel the energy around us.
Gently ease into the upbeat yang energy
1. Spring clean your life:
Spring cleaning, room by room, drawer by drawer, as you open the doors and windows to allow the stagnant air of winter to be released, inviting the winds of change into your home and spirit
2. Detox your body:
We often have stored toxins due having eaten more wintery, heavier foods and sweets, as well as less exercise less. Eat foods that support the liver and gall bladder. Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit or vegetable juices; reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine intake; Cut out fast food
3. Eat seasonal produce:
Focus on your greens. Kale, spinach, sprouts, bok choi, broccoli, zucchini, beans, leeks, avocados, nettles, coriander, parsley...the list goes on.
When it is cool cooking your food is better, but as it warms up you can eat more salads and lightly steamed or even raw foods
4. Practice mindfulness
Stop several times a day for a few minutes, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and become aware of your body (how does it feel?) and your mind (what is it thinking?)
A few calm moments a day will work a treat
5. Building energy and strengthening the core:
Energise the body and mind with sun salutations and dynamic standing sequences including warrior poses and standing balances. But remember to go easy, the tendons and ligaments can be strained quickly after a a hibernating winter
6. Skin-brushing to clear toxins
Brush your skin before your shower or bath. Brushing skin while dry has special benefits, but Epsom salt soaks and natural salt scrubs are fab too
7. Create a feeling of freshness: Open the doors and window, allowing the Spring breeze to bring lightness into your home or work space
8. Keep wrapped up warmly: Don't be tricked by the sunny winter or frozen spring days. ...as we are susceptible to colds a this time of year with the
May the budding flowers outside your window inspire you to your plant the seeds of that you wish to nurture in your life
Never yet was a springtime, when the buds forgot to bloom.
—Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
I’ll be back soon with tips on how to live in alignment with summer.
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