Springing into March or Marching into Spring
As a society we work off of the Gregorian calendar and use that to determine much about our lives including a work week versus weekend, the holidays we celebrate, and when to set our New Year's resolutions. Sometimes for our minds and nervous systems, tuning in more deeply to the changing seasons or what is happening in the greater world around us can be a more effective way of understanding rhythms and attending to our own needs.
April and May can be a lovely time to think about time and transition and making space for something new. Perhaps you want to start something new or clean something old, perhaps you want to explore a new coping skill or recommit to something you know works for you, It helps to look out the window and see the buds on the trees and the daffodils coming up among the brown grass. Then two days later, we are buried in five inches of spring snow, watching the new growth and rooting for it. Knowing some will survive and some will need to try again next spring season.
Our goals and aspirations, or “resolutions” and desires, can feel like they have a similar pattern. We can look to the seasons and the lengthening daylight to remind us there will be another chance. Perhaps we want to ease in and take our time, hoping our new plan can start after the last frost so it’s more likely to flourish. Perhaps we want to charge in, like a determined snowstorm in July, reminding us that incredible things can happen.
And if you’re looking for some tangible tools to support embracing this season or any other you identify for yourself, here are some favorites:
Get out and enjoy the sunlight. Give yourself any easy cheat with your bodies natural boosting chemicals like Serotonin. Sure you can walk or float the river, but you can also sit in a cozy chair on your front stoop. 15-30 minutes a day can do wonders.
Try a morning check in with yourself (before you get on your phone or attend to others).
Do a short body scan. Notice how your body feels. If there is a tense spot or tight place, give it a moment of acknowledgment and see if there is something you can do to give it some relief (Stretch? Tea? Shower? Make a doctor’s appointment?)
Check your overall mood. How do you feel about taking on this day? Again, if there is a challenging emotion or thought, give it a moment of acknowledgment and see if there is something you can do to give it some relief (Guided meditation? Breathing exercise? Call a supportive friend?)
Think about how you want to feel at the end of the day, and something you could do to help you get there…a small, tangible step.
Or this option:
Your “Rose”: Something that is good/going well.
Your “Thorn”: Something that is hard/not going well
Your “Bud”: Something you’re looking forward to
Create a “no-pressure” or “put on the pressure” hour. If you need to slow down and take a break, let yourself have an hour (or a few) a week where you don’t worry about productivity. Where you just do what feels right whether that is a bath or a craft or a comforting ritual.
If you need to get yourself on task, consider scheduling an hour (or a few) for productivity and taking care of what needs to be done, focusing on what will get you closer to where you want to be and caring for yourself along the way.
We have so many opportunities to create space for reflection, change, resetting, refocusing, or whatever we need. Perhaps this spring season is one you can embrace. Along the way, you may be fortunate like me and see a full rainbow on the way to work or hear a Long-Eared Owl outside your window at bedtime.