Spring signifies new growth, birth, and the vitality that comes from getting back outside and enjoying the fresh air. Sometimes associated with spring cleaning, it also is a chance for change or fresh starts. How can you take advantage of this transformative time of year?
Begin by knowing what you want, know why you want it and how you will feel when you have it. As you wait for your seeds to sprout, let your garden remind you to tend, to feed, and to have patience. When we plant seeds, we don’t dig them up to see if they have sprouted. We also don’t compare the growth of different crops. Everything comes in its time. This is also true of new plans, habits, and behavior.
Airing out can also mean taking the time to practice mindful breathing. The following are two breath exercises I like to use:
Decluttering is also relevant to your mind. Paying attention to the thoughts you choose to see if the beliefs you currently have serve you can be really invigorating. Getting rid of self-defeating thought patterns will help you to feel lighter and more positive.
This can also the perfect time for a cleanse. This could include dietary changes, social media use, or the types of relationships you choose to foster. Clearing out the unhealthy foods, the time-sucking activities, and the relationships that aren’t supportive to your ongoing evolution feels fabulous.
Remember, in the words of the late author B.C. Forbes, “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the spring who reaps a harvest in the autumn.”
Plant New Seeds
Planting seeds in your garden at this time of year is a wonderful way to start a season of growth. What you can learn as you watch your garden grow also pertains to how you live your life. When you want to start something new, whether that is a new way of exercising, a new job, or a new relationship, you need to start by planting the seeds for those things. Like a garden has seeds for each vegetable, there are different ways to sow seeds dependent on what you hope to grow.Begin by knowing what you want, know why you want it and how you will feel when you have it. As you wait for your seeds to sprout, let your garden remind you to tend, to feed, and to have patience. When we plant seeds, we don’t dig them up to see if they have sprouted. We also don’t compare the growth of different crops. Everything comes in its time. This is also true of new plans, habits, and behavior.
Air Out
Spring weather welcomes you out from hibernation, so open your windows and take some deep breaths. Get out in the fresh air.Airing out can also mean taking the time to practice mindful breathing. The following are two breath exercises I like to use:
Get Ready Breath
This is an exercise designed to revitalize and invigorate your body.- Inhale for two counts
- Exhale for two counts
- Inhale for two counts
- Exhale for three counts
- Inhale for two counts
- Exhale for four counts
- Inhale for two counts
- Exhale for five counts
Square Breathing
This practice will help ground you and is commonly used to alleviate panic attacks.- Inhale for four counts
- Hold for four counts
- Exhale for four counts
- Hold for four counts
- Repeat this pattern for about one minute
Declutter
Spring cleaning includes dusting, vacuuming, and putting things away that may have come become chaotic over the winter season. Spring is a great time to watch the documentary, Minimalism, and learn why reducing the amount of stuff that you own contributes to well-being.Decluttering is also relevant to your mind. Paying attention to the thoughts you choose to see if the beliefs you currently have serve you can be really invigorating. Getting rid of self-defeating thought patterns will help you to feel lighter and more positive.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Some of your current habits are great. They support your health, career, and relationship goals. Those are the things you want to keep. But if you have patterns that don’t support you (like lateness, binge eating, or not getting enough sleep) spring is a good time to start new supportive habits.This can also the perfect time for a cleanse. This could include dietary changes, social media use, or the types of relationships you choose to foster. Clearing out the unhealthy foods, the time-sucking activities, and the relationships that aren’t supportive to your ongoing evolution feels fabulous.
Remember, in the words of the late author B.C. Forbes, “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the spring who reaps a harvest in the autumn.”
