The Sunday Pause #9: The seasons are about to shift, can you feel it?
At last, Spring is almost upon us, and the world is ready to wake up once more.
Welcome to The Sunday Pause, a weekly series designed to be a dedicated space for reflection and intentional living. I’m Amy: Wife, Mother, a slow + simple living facilitator and yoga instructor.
Amid our fast-paced world, this series invites you to take a pause, a moment of quiet contemplation on Sundays, to navigate the intricacies of intentional living. Here, we'll explore the essence of living with purpose, share practical tips, and create a ritual that allows you to intentionally shape your week. Join us in this weekly pause, as we navigate intentional living in our bustling lives.
Can you feel it in the air? Spring is almost here (or is here, meterologically speaking). Spring officially begins at the Spring (or vernal) Equinox, which this year falls on the 20th March 2024.
As we get ready to bid farewell to the cold, dark days of winter (at last eh?), we welcome the warmer air, the vibrant colours of spring flowers, the warmer weather and the hope of new beginnings that spring brings with it. This shift of seasons is a beautiful reminder of the constant rhythm of change in our lives and nature. This seasonal shift, a testament to nature's enduring cycle of renewal, is a powerful reminder of our own potential for growth and transformation.
This weeks Pause:
What spring means and how we can start living a more seasonal approach this spring.
Why spring is the true beginning of the year and how you can embrace this in your life.
Guided journal questions for this season of change.
Mindfulness and Connection points this Spring.
A spring meditation to help you embrace the season.
A fun seasonal resource for you.
Final thoughts.
Spring is a season of awakening. Those bare branches of winter slowly transforming to blossoms and leaves. It's a time to celebrate the beauty of new beginnings, to shed the heaviness of winter, and to embrace the potential for growth and change within ourselves too.
The change of seasons also brings a shift in our own energy. As the days grow longer and the sun's warmth returns, we naturally feel a sense of rejuvenation. It's a time to shed the heaviness of winter and embrace the lighter, more carefree spirit that spring brings. Many of us find ourselves drawn outdoors, eager to soak up the sunshine and reconnect with the natural world once more. In many cultures, spring is seen as a symbol of hope and optimism. As the world around us awakens, we are invited to cultivate a sense of hope for the future, to tap into our own creative potential, and to plant the seeds of our dreams. What aspirations have been dormant within you? What new possibilities can you cultivate this season?
But beyond the beauty of blooming flowers and chirping birds, there's a deeper aspect to spring. It's a reminder to live in sync with the natural world, embracing the cyclical rhythm of the seasons. So, how can we incorporate this seasonal approach into our lives, especially during the vibrant season of spring?
Reconnecting with Nature:
Embrace the outdoors: Spring is the perfect time to step outside and soak up the sun. Go for walks, hikes, or bike rides, and simply appreciate the beauty of nature's awakening.
Open your windows: Let the fresh spring air and natural light into your home. This can boost your mood, energy levels, and even improve your sleep.
Plant a garden: There's nothing quite as rewarding as watching something grow from seed to harvest. Whether it's a small herb garden on your windowsill or a vegetable patch in your backyard, connecting with the soil and nurturing life can be incredibly grounding.
Lighter Living:
Spring clean: Spring is also a time of rejuvenation and cleansing. Just as nature sheds its winter coat, we too can engage in a metaphorical spring cleaning, both physically and mentally. Decluttering our homes, releasing old patterns, and embracing healthy habits can create space for new beginnings and positive growth. Take this opportunity to refresh your mind and spirit. Release negative thoughts and limiting beliefs, just like nature sheds its winter coat.
Lighter meals: As the weather warms, our bodies naturally crave lighter foods. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are packed with essential nutrients and bursting with fresh flavour. You might want to read more about why we make seasonal food switches in our home.
Incorporate movement: Spring is a natural invitation to move your body. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's dancing, yoga, or simply stretching in the backyard. Be sure to check out my holistic guide to mindful movement that I put together for my yoga students.
Living seasonally isn't just about following trends; it's about consciously aligning ourselves with the natural world. By embracing the spirit of spring, we can rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits, and experience a sense of renewal alongside the blossoming world around us. So, step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the transformative power of spring!
As we welcome spring, I want to invite you to join me in embracing this season of awakening, hope, and rejuvenation. Whether it's spending time in nature, starting a new project, or simply nurturing your wellbeing, my hope for you is that you find ways to celebrate and connect with the transformative power of spring.
Why Spring feels like the new year:
While January 1st marks the traditional new year, there's a compelling argument to be made for spring as nature's own grand reset button. Here's why:
A Waking World: After the dormancy of winter, spring bursts forth with vibrant life. Flowers erupt in a riot of color, buds unfurl on barren branches, and the world awakens with renewed energy. This explosion of growth signifies a fresh start, a chance to shed the winter's cloak and embrace new beginnings.
Renewal and Rebirth: Spring is a time of rejuvenation, both for the natural world and ourselves. Just as plants push through the soil, we too can use this season to shed old habits, plant the seeds of new goals, and nurture them with intention. This period of renewal resonates deeply with our desire for personal growth and transformation.
Lengthening Days: As the Earth's tilt shifts, spring brings longer days and shorter nights. This surge of sunlight energizes not just the natural world but also our own moods and activity levels. It's a natural invitation to step outside, be more active, and embrace the longer days with renewed enthusiasm.
A Celebration of Life: Spring festivals and traditions abound across cultures, all celebrating the return of life and fertility. From colorful parades to planting ceremonies, these traditions highlight the shared human experience of appreciating nature's cyclical rebirth.
A Time for Reflection and Action: Spring's beauty serves as a powerful reminder of life's impermanence and the preciousness of each moment. It encourages us to reflect on the past year, celebrate its successes and learn from its challenges, and then step forward with renewed purpose and optimism for the months ahead.
So, as the world around us awakens from its winter slumber, embrace the spirit of spring. See it as an opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, and embark on a fresh start, aligned with nature's own rhythm of renewal and growth. Happy Spring, and Happy New Year, in nature's truest sense!
Some guided journal questions to help you live more seasonally this spring:
Spring is a time of renewal, not just in nature, but also within ourselves. Use these prompts to guide your journey towards living more seasonally and enriching your experience of this vibrant time:
Connecting with Spring:
Describe the first sign of spring you noticed this year. How did it make you feel?
What sounds, smells, and visuals capture the essence of spring for you?
Imagine your ideal spring experience. Where would you be, what would you be doing, and who would you be with?
Seasonal Living:
How can you adjust your meals to incorporate more fresh, seasonal ingredients?
Think about your wardrobe and living space. What changes can you make to reflect the lighter and brighter energy of spring?
What activities or hobbies come to mind when you think of spring? Schedule time to engage in them this season.
Growth and Reflection:
Think of a personal goal you want to "plant the seeds" for this spring. What steps can you take to nurture it?
Reflect on what you learned and experienced last year. What do you want to carry forward into this spring season?
Imagine yourself at the end of spring, feeling refreshed and renewed. What does that look like to you?
Write a letter to yourself at the beginning of summer, summarising your intentions and accomplishments this spring.
Mindfulness and Connection this Spring
Plan a mindful walk or hike in nature. Pay close attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of the changing environment.
Start a daily practice of gratitude. Reflect on three things you appreciate about spring each day.
Take time to declutter your physical and mental space. Release what no longer serves you and create room for new beginnings.
Choose a specific mindfulness practice, like meditation or journaling, and commit to doing it regularly this spring.
I recorded this short, personalised meditation for just for you, this Spring:
Download my FREE Seasonal Living Guide
The Living Seasonally Guide - If you’re looking for ways to integrate seasonal living into your life then this guide is for you. Packed with things to learn and things to do to help you embrace the natural ebb and flow, and cycle of the seasons.
Just a reminder:
My signature seasonal living course, Rooted in Seasons, is open to members of this community only. Rooted in Seasons is a course to guide you intuitively into living in tune with the seasons. This immersive course is designed to guide you on a journey to connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature. Drawing upon the wisdom of the changing seasons, holistic wellbeing, nurturing a deeper connection and will help align daily life with nature's ebb and flow. I’m offering all my members, both free and paid, 50% off the price until the official launch day. If you want to grab this immersive course to help you guide you through seasonal living and how to incorporate it in your unique life, then you can do so here for just £48.50 instead of £97.
Stay tuned for our upcoming posts and resources to help you blossom this season, from healthy recipes and mindfulness practices to tips for decluttering and setting intentions.
Wishing you a season of growth, renewal, and vibrant joy!