You may remember in January, that I invited us all to Hold Our Horses and not move into the “new energy” before it was actually here. Well, it’s here now, so let’s start to get those bridles loose, and start to remove those saddles. But, don’t slap them on the butt and say “Go on now, get!” just yet.
March 20th marked the Spring Equinox, when we began to get even earlier sunlight, later sunsets, thawing ground, and sprouting plants.
Spring is the season for thawing and seed planting. Both literally and metaphorically. When summer emerges, and don’t worry, it will, we’ll have a chance to reckon with the sun and the fullest expression of that season.
But for now, our work is to gently emerge. Indigenous cultures know the wisdom that when we align with the seasons, we have higher levels of internal peace. We’re rhythm-syncing…with Mother Nature. And in this season, it looks like letting ourselves thaw slowly, gently, with anticipation, hope, and our hearts stretching from the long sleep of winter.
Spring is a season of “yes, and.”
Of, “I’ll have both.”
It’s the season of seeing the greens of iris popping up through snow pack mulch. Both are here. Both are true.
Such is the case for us. “I’m so glad it’s Spring!” you might yell, while grabbing a heavier coat to walk the dogs.
When we allow ourselves to slowly emerge, we reduce the risk of energetic injury. Slow emergence also allows us to not. miss. a. single. thing.
It allows us to plant that which we really hope to grow in our lives this year. I hope to have an internal garden full of simplicity, attunement with my body, a sustainable writing practice, and plenty of time to inhale the smell of pine trees. I’ll plant these seeds now and water them little by little, soaking their growth into sturdy fruit-bearers by summer.
Here are a few reflection questions I’ve been pondering as the season turns. These questions are invitations to pause and reflect on how the energy of Spring is unfolding within you. I invite you to sit with them too.
What in your life feels like it’s thawing or waking up?
The answer to this question for me is my yoga practice. I’ve found myself turning lately to a quick downward dog or some cat/cows in between sessions. My body has loved the walks I’ve been taking her on during lunch breaks while working, and now my spine is whispering requests for more embodied movement.
What has been dormant but is now ready to grow?
Maybe this one is quite literal for me, but as I sliced a cucumber this morning and rinsed strawberries and blueberries, I found myself excited for more colorful plates. I’m ready to literally grow fresh herbs, tomatoes I’ll drizzle with good olive oil, and lavender I’ll dry. The dormancy of food in winter is cozy, efficient, and sustaining, and now, as the windows and the options all open to a fresh breeze, I’m welcoming them with open arms.
What do you want to carry forward from winter, and what do you want to leave behind?
This winter more than any before, I leaned into the rhythm of rest. I spent time with myself, reading, candles lit, and cozy. I moved slowly, hunkered down, and appreciated the season for exactly what it had to offer. And, most notably of all, I didn’t invite guilt for being less “productive.” I’d like to carry forward that same attunement to rhythm and to my high sensitivity. I think I’d like to leave behind the feeling of “small”- small circles, small daylight, small temperatures. And instead, I’ll replace it with a similar but more clarified for the season: Simple.
If you, like me, want to mark the beginning of the season, here are some suggestions for beautiful rituals that welcome Spring:
Engage with Flowers – Buy a small bouquet of fresh flowers, arrange them mindfully, or split the bouquet up into little groups all over your home or office. Let them remind you of the beauty to come and the impermanence of every season.
Cleanse Your Space – Open the windows, smudge/smoke cleanse with herbs like rosemary or lavender, or simply shake out rugs and sweep the old energy away. (If you have pets, make sure windows are open or they have easy access to take themselves outside if they want.)
Plant Some Seeds—Literally or Metaphorically – Whether it's herbs in a pot or a new habit, set an intention for growth.
Stretch, Yawn, Wake Up – Move your body in a way that feels good, like a big morning stretch, gentle yoga, or a playful shake to greet the day.
Step Outside Barefoot – Feel the earth under your feet, grounding yourself in the present moment.
Drink in the Season – Make a fresh herbal tea or infused water (mint, lemon, cucumber) and sip it slowly as a mindful act of renewal.
Write a "Spring Intentions" List – Not goals, but ways you want to feel, things you want to savor, or themes you want to embrace.
Greet the Morning Sky – Spend a moment outside or by a window, watching the sunrise or just soaking in the light. (Our brains and bodies LOVE seeing sunlight in the morning. Notice how great this feels if you try it.)
How are you inviting renewal into your life this Spring? What are you planting, metaphorically or literally, in your life this season?
i love this for so many reasons ~ thank you for sharing your seasonal inner-inquiries. There is so much to learn about our own nature-landscapes when we align, ever-more, with Her.
Yes, yes, yes!! And thank you.