Seasons turn, things change, things remain the same. We all look forward to that one day, every year, when we feel the fog lift and the burden lighten. That magical moment we are reminded of hope, possibility and joy. When our senses come alive.
Spring arrives with a silent nod to what energizes us. Our skin feels a bit warmer. Our eyes squint in the welcoming light. Our hearts swell in our chest. A simple walk outside brings a fresh sense of lightness and wonder. In that moment, we can feel the cycle of life begin again. We are offered an opportunity to redefine ourselves, and we are reminded that everything is constantly being reborn.
The Wonder of Another Year
At the start of this new chapter, familiar questions might arrive in moments of stillness: “who am I?”, “where am I going?” and “what is meaningful to me?” We can give ourselves permission to live in the ways that feel most aligned and most joyful. Standing on the doorstep of spring, we can behold the wonder of yet another year on our journey through life.
Not everyone feels spring right away. Some people may still feel heavy, tired, or resistant. Yet spring is proof that a “lift” will come, often when you least expect it. The wisdom of spring is that life can emerge again, even after long periods of dormancy. No amount of hibernation can keep us from stretching our arms and saluting the sun in gratitude.
Meeting Spring With Mindfulness
This spring, take some time to check in and reflect. You might ask yourself:
- What has been quietly growing from within, waiting to be expressed?
- What version of myself have I been cultivating?
- How can I embody the new me in a grounded, present and open way?
- What do I have to share? What am I ready to give?
A Practice for Spring Renewal
Try this short practice to reconnect with your internal rhythms and reawaken mind and body this spring.
Start slowly and settle in
Find a comfortable position, upright but relaxed. Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze. Begin with just a few simple, natural breaths. Don’t try to change anything yet, simply notice the air entering and leaving your body.
Deepen your presence
Allow each breath to become a little deeper, taking hold of your body and bringing you further into the present moment. The excitement and demands of spring can sometimes move us away from our center. Use the anchoring sensation of the inhale and exhale to bring your focus back home. Feel the chest and stomach rise and fall.
Release
No need to rush. There is nothing to chase, no urgency to meet. When the mind wanders to your to-do list or the activities of the day, slowly return with each subsequent breath, allowing a sense of hope and wonder to fill your lungs. Imagine breathing in the fresh, new energy of spring.
Embrace the mystery
As you continue to breathe easily for another minute or two, silently repeat the phrase: “The mystery is alive and well.” “I am surrounded by abundance.” Allow these words to resonate with the sense of growth and possibility that surrounds you in the natural world. Rest in this feeling of fullness and connection.
When you are ready, take one final deep breath. Slowly open your eyes and carry this renewed sense of your inner center with you into your day.
The Wisdom of Spring
Fortunately for us, renewal is not confined to a day on the calendar. It is a constant, unfolding in ways both seen and unseen. Spring is a shedding of the skin, a chance for us to embrace a new identity. But it is also a reminder that the cycle of life is unending, always turning. Every breath brings with it a new moment. Every moment is a fresh start. Spring is like a metaphor for our lives. The seasons remind us of what is eternal within ourselves.
This spring, just keep breathing and let the wisdom of your body carry you forward. Do you feel curious about what’s to come? Are you excited, or on edge? Afraid? Sit with these sensations and enjoy the feeling of awareness. And then, go out and play. Feel the sun on your face. Keep your heart open.
Align with nature’s rhythms and refresh your mind and body with Return to Presence, a four-part program on the five elements with Dr. Sheila Patel, available now in the InnerNow App.