Spring Equinox – March 20th
– the day when day and night are of equal
length, light and dark; nature in perfect
balance. A day to celebrate the return of
longer days of sunshine and warmth.
Spring can also be so much
more if we observe how nature changes with the
seasons. Spring is a time of new
beginnings, new growth, planting seeds,
purification, and for clearing out the old.
Following the rhythms of nature and developing
harmony with the ways in which nature cares for
itself, we can also create balance within our
own lives.
Trees, plants, grasses and
seeds that have laid still throughout the winter
slowly emerge from their dormancy. Buds
develop and grow into new leaves and flowers,
plants and grasses emerge through the ground
from their resting roots, and seeds sprout; all
from the extended sunlight, warmth, rains, and
fall’s nourishment. Birds and animals are
more active, returning to their daily routines.
Try to take some time on the next spring-like
day to notice all the new growth that nature
provides us. Smell the freshness in the
air. Listen to the song birds that have
returned. Nature provides us with the hope
and promise of new beginnings and growth after
winter.
Winter was a time of rest,
a time to replenish energy for the start of the
“growing” season – Spring. Now that spring
is just about upon us, it is time to listen to
nature and utilize this energy, this potential
for new growth. Seize this energy and
blossom!
Spring cleaning is actually
an old ritual that was performed to remove any
negativity from the previous year and to prepare
the home to allow for the new to come in.
Spring cleaning can be thought of on many
levels, from physically cleaning your home to
purifying your body, mind and spirit. We
all hold onto “stuff” – useless, outdated or
worn-out items we’ve collected over the years,
maybe a couple extra pounds, and chances are;
old emotions, hurts and pains. Spring is a
great time to release ourselves from the past.
Change allows us to grow. We all need to
grow and develop, to explore possibilities.
Living with the past keeps us in the past,
missing the present – missing what we are now,
what we can be. Breaking free from the
past allows us room for the present – be it
closet, attic or emotional space. Once we
release ourselves from the past, the present is
free to enter into our lives. We are free
to continue on with our journey, to experience
life fully as it is meant to be. Open the
windows, let the fresh air in. Try not to
look upon the cleaning as a chore but as a
chance to let “the new” into your life.
Spring is also a good time
to cleanse our bodies after the sluggish winter.
Our energy levels are high, and fresh foods and
herbs are more available. A rest from the
heavier, warming foods of winter will work
wonders to rejuvenate and remove toxins from the
body. Eating only fresh fruit and vegetable
juices, herbal teas, lots of water and steamed
or raw vegetables for several days will start
you on your way to better health and nutrition.
There are many methods of cleansing diets and
two books that provide a wealth of information
are “ Staying Healthy with the Seasons”
by Elson Haas and “ The Ancient Cookfire”
by Carrie L’Esperance. Several useful and
abundant herbs for spring cleansing include:
dandelion root and leaves, stinging nettle,
chicory, parsley and peppermint. A brief
overview of these spring herbs will get you
started. Dandelion greens are high in
vitamin A and can be used in salads or as a tea.
Dandelion roots can be made into a bitter tea
(don’t sweeten it, the bitterness is how it
works – you’ll get use to it) as an excellent
tonic for the liver and blood purifier.
Dandelion roots are very high in vitamins and
minerals. Nettle is high in chlorophyll to
provide energy and acts as a very good blood
builder. Chicory and parsley have some of
the same properties as the dandelion greens.
A strong peppermint tea freshens the breath and
body odors as well as relieves headaches.
During a cleansing diet, the toxins you have
stored in your body are released back into your
blood stream to be released. It is vital
to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal,
and get fresh air to flush these toxins out of
your system.
Plant your “seeds”.
What are your goals, dreams, aspirations?
What do you want to harvest?
Start your groundwork now,
the lazy days of summer will be here before you
know!
