Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings. It is a time of year when we feel like naturally waking early with the rising sun. Our energy levels start to increase and this increase of energy flows into summer.
With our rising energy levels comes an increase in creativity, determination and strength. This is the time of year to begin new projects and to put your ideas, goals and dreams in motion. To help enable you and your dreams to come to fruition let us explore 5 ways to attune and bloom to Spring.
Tip #1 - Spring clean in and out.
Spring is naturally a time for cleansing internally and externally.
Externally we're naturally drawn towards cleaning and clearing our house and garden. This is known as 'spring cleaning'. Do you feel the urge to clear the clutter off the shelves? We can also cleanse the outside of our body with dry skin brushing, face/body masks and/or scrubs. I particularly love Living Koko's cacao body scrub.
Internally spring is a time to give your digestion a rest. Eat less, or even fast, to cleanse and rest your digestion and body. Spring is the easiest time of year to fast.
Tip #2 - Eat Seasonally.
Aim to keep food preparation simple in spring. This is the time of year to have a light diet and avoid heavy, rich foods. Eat plenty of foods with upward energy such as young, above-ground plants, sprouts, fresh leafy greens, and lightly fermented foods.
Eat what is currently in season locally to you. Seasonal food is easily available and optimally nutritious.
"When we choose to eat what is in season and to eat locally grown foods, we reduce or remove the harmful wasteful aspects of processing, packaging, transport, storage and additives, and we begin to take control of what we eat." – PIP magazine
Currently, as I write this, it is the beginning of spring and our vegetable garden is full of rocket, lettuce, coriander and nasturtiums. There is new growth sprouting everywhere. Our herbs, fruit trees, rhubarb, and baby strawberries are notably growing. The bees are getting busy.
Tip #4 - Meditate in the morning.
With the rising of energy comes an increase in resistance to meditation in the form of restless thoughts, boredom, and agitation. It is helpful to acknowledge this resistance and to adapt and attune by meditating in the morning before any stimulatory drink. Also, certain practices can help - here are two guided meditations you may find helpful to practice during spring.
For those of you reading this on your phone, the suggested meditation links above won't appear, try these links:
Tip #5 - Nourish your Liver and Gall Bladder meridians.
Spring corresponds to the wood element in TCM. The wood element involves our Liver and Gall Bladder meridians, and it is believed these meridians are more vulnerable and prone to imbalance during spring.
The main functions of the wood element are detoxification, maintaining even chi flow, the promotion of circulation, and the storage of blood. The wood element is associated with the emotions of anger, frustration, irritability, and resentment.
We can nourish and balance our Liver and Gall Bladder meridians through food, movement, acupoint stimulation, and meditation.
You can find more information and ways to attune to spring and nourish your Liver and Gall Bladder meridians in my book - Wonder Full Women. Attune & Bloom. Eat, Move & Meditate with the Seasons.
Do you have any favourite ways to attune to spring? Please let us know by commenting below.
I wish you all the best with your practice.
xx Freya