I'm excited to share this Spring Blog with you!

Change can be so exciting...a fresh newness, full of anticipation! It seems bright and hopeful!

Change can also be challenging with uncertainty, adjustment, or even the struggle that comes with growth.

So, how can we embrace change with grace and courage?

Perhaps some Ayurvedic practices for spring can give us some insight.

Ayurveda invites us to make small shifts while being self-aware and noticing how these shifts feel (or are experienced) in our minds, emotions, and bodies. As you might remember from our first Newsletter of 2024, I shared about "transition time." We learned the importance of this time for reflection and self-awareness. Spring is a time to transition from winter to summer. Moving mindfully through this season will help us reflect, make healthy choices, and move gracefully.

According to Ayurveda, spring is a Kapha season (earth, wet, heavy, slow, etc.). However, depending on where you live, spring can include melting snow (Kapha), or it could be very windy (Vata), or you could jump right into some heat (Pitta). Spring, like fall, is a transition time. No matter how your climate's spring looks, you can find balance by engaging in self-awareness and choosing practices that support you.

Here are some tips for embracing spring, mind, heart, and body:

For the mind, rather than grabbing your phone to check the news or social media when you first wake up, try meditating. Practices could begin with a gentle 4 - 6 breath (inhale for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 6) to create breath awareness. You can then move into a traditional breath-focused meditation or a contemplative practice and finish with a full yogic breath (diaphragmatic breathing) to give you energy as you move into the rest of your morning.

Spring can be a time of excitement, and yet we might notice more flightiness or lack of focus. Practicing daily meditation will help you ground and move gracefully into this season!

During transition times, it is especially important to take care of your heart. The daily meditation practice I mentioned above will help you tune into your heart and emotions much quicker and support you with deeper insights.

Spring can be exciting! Flowers are blooming, trees are dressed in blossoms and leaves, and grass is vividly green. However, some people are surprised when they notice that even though they feel great hope, they also seem to be experiencing some anxiety or sadness. Change, even happy or hopeful change, can create this experience in us.

I think about the end of The Last Battle by CS Lewis when Lucy and Polly are grieved at the end of the old Narnia, even though they know that the new and unperishable Narnia is just being revealed.

I invite you to spend some time on the scriptures that remind you of God's unfailing love and pursuit of you. His strong, loving, and consistent devotion to you is sure. Even as the winds blow to clear winter, remember that He is gentle and humble in heart, dear one.

Take a look at Psalm 136, and remember these verses from Matthew 11:28 - 30 (TPT):

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”

For the body, consider moving toward lighter fare in your diet. You might even notice your body craves fruit, fresh veggies, or salads. It's amazing how our bodies know, isn't it?

Additionally, try adding a Sun Salutation to your morning routine. This gentle awakening practice is short and simple, yet you will be surprised at how grounded you feel afterward.

You can also join my FREE Online Restorative Practice on Good Friday!

Click Here to Sign Up for your FREE Good Friday Restorative Zoom Link!

Finally, my Spring Gift for you is a recipe for Lemon-Lavender Muffins. I make these for our Easter celebration each year. Yes - it calls for butter and sour cream, but the brightness of the lemon and lavender lightens these little treasures beautifully!

May you Embrace Spring with Hope, Joy, and Peace!

Grace & Shalom,