Make these changes to harness the Spring Season's Energy
Photo by Sandrachile . on Unsplash
We are probably more disconnected from the earth than we've ever been. We use electricity to stay up past sunset, heaters to keep us warm in the winter and air conditioners to keep us cool in the summer. We can eat whatever produce we want whenever we want thanks to trucks and planes that transport food all over the world. We used to live our lives based on environmental changes. We would wake with the sun, go to bed with the moon, eat foods according to what would grow that season, fish with the tides, and plant crops according to the moon cycle. There's something beautiful about living this way and I'd like to begin living with the earth rather than separate from it.
With the Spring Equinox and the mark of this new season, I thought there was no better time to start connecting with the earth than now. Spring has always marked the idea of rebirth as the earth wakes up from its winter hibernation. Spring is a time for new beginnings, for creativity, vibrancy, and for cleansing the mind body and spirit. Just as the earth is cleansed with spring rains, we too need to cleanse ourselves from what's accumulated throughout the winter months. Spring Cleaning really is a thing. Below are Ayurvedic tips for harnessing the spring's energy:
- Diet: Eat lighter. Spring is a time to cleanse the body from what's accumulated during winter so as the temperatures warm up it's recommended to reach for lighter foods. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, legumes and grains like quinoa. Drink warm teas or hot water with lemon and honey. This is also a great time to incorporate more bitter greens like dandelion greens or kale. Use your diet to battle the excess mucous and weight that may have accumulated during winter. Spring is also a great time to practice some type of cleanse whether it be a juice cleanse, full-on fast, or just cleaning up the your diet.
- Exercise: Get your body moving in the morning to jumpstart your metabolism and ignite your inner fire. Push yourself a bit but not too hard during the spring. You want to jumpstart the body's cleansing process without pushing yourself off balance. Spring is all about a lighthearted energy so bringing that energy to your exercise routines would serve you best during this season.
- Lifestyle Routines: This season is a time for early waking. It's recommended you wake with the sunrise in the Spring (5:30-6:30am) and jumpstart your morning with an energizing routine. This season is a great time to begin a morning pranayama (breathwork) practice, read something inspiring, or begin writing morning pages in your journal. Kapalbhati or ujjayi breath would be the best breathing techniques to clear out mucous and open your breathways for the day.
- Personal Growth: Spring is a time for new beginnings, vibrancy, and creativity. It may be a wonderful time to begin a new chapter in your life, work on a creative project, or set life goals. Spring is a time to create new space after the winter hibernation, and to fill that space with positivity. Start new projects, but try to maintain balance. If you work too hard, you may unknowingly be filling the space created by spring with stress or negative energy. Create healthy routines for yourself to ensure you maintain balance and positivity throughout this season.