Spring and the New You

March 20th is the official start of Spring. In other parts of the country flowers are blooming and Winter frost will have begun to thaw. Here in South Florida Spring means a dip in humidity and comfortable nights – our flowers never stopped showing off and ‘snow’ is a foreign concept. It’s a nice time to be a Floridian.

Even though we don’t get the traditional signs of Spring down here, it’s still a season defined by renewal and rising from slumber. In my previous article we talked about Winter and how it was a time for reflection. With the insight gained from the Winter months, it’s now time to set the stage for the year to come. That’s what Spring is for.

The Nature of Spring

Spring is a new beginning. Throughout Winter we endeavored to separate what we wanted to keep from the last year and what was safe to get rid of. With introspection we pinpointed the things that are important. Now is the time to make a plan for reaching those goals and setting the stage to make it a reality.

In Five Element theory Spring belongs to wood. Consider the acorn which with the Spring cracks and sprouts: the tiniest thread of green rising from the ground to eventually become an oak. That rising action is called yang – motion, progress and growth. Similarly animals which hibernated through the winter months stir and begin to wander again. Winter’s inaction was important to keep us focused and grounded, but now it’s time to move.

But we have to be careful. With so much energy and intention focused on growth it can be easy to get frustrated if progress isn’t going as quickly or as smoothly as we’d like. This is why a realistic plan is important, so we can remain focused but measured.

Actions of Spring

In keeping with the rising yang Spring is the time to emerge and do. Early morning walks are a fantastic way to drink in the season of renewal, especially in wooded areas and green spaces. We’re just getting started, however, and there’s a whole year ahead of us so make sure not to overdo it. We don’t want to ‘hit the ground running’, we can spare a few laps for warm-up.

Stretching is so overlooked. Moving our tendons and putting our muscles through gentle paces is important to keep us flexible, both mentally and physically. Begin the day with a good stretch routine like yoga or Qi Gong before that morning walk. You’d be amazed what it does for your energy and emotional state.

If inside is more your deal then consider starting a small terrace garden or cultivating some indoor plants. The process of raising a plant teaches patience, consideration and appreciation.

Remember to keep your plans in mind. Just as we move our body more the time has come to move our lives forward. Put in place the first steps toward what you wish to accomplish for the coming year in all arenas.

Spring Diet

Keeping with the idea of movement the diet in Spring should be light and easy. Give your body the opportunity to shed the heaviness of winter. Fresh spring vegetables and sprouts are great, supplemented with slightly sweet flavors and aromatics. Heavy, salty foods should be avoided so as not to weigh you down. As always consider the foods that are in season for your area as well. Here is a list for us here in Miami:

Local produce:

· Cabbage

· Tomatoes

· Sweet corn

· Spinach

· Celery

· Cucumber

· Strawberry

· Papaya

· Mushrooms

· Squash

Aromatic spices:

· Garlic

· Chili pepper

· Cumin

· Rosemary

· Mint

· Basil

Emotions and Health

Frustration can be common during this time of year if we aren’t careful and intentional about our movement. Everyone’s got the itch to move and that can cause a lot of friction. Alternatively we might feel frustrated with ourselves for failing to progress as much as we’d expect. Being aware of this tendency can help us create some distance from triggers. Like the young sapling we need to be intent on growth but also flexible.

Benevolence is the virtue we must consider when the frustrations of the season emerge. Be giving and forgiving of yourself and others as we all strive for growth. Provide without arrogance or judgement.

Don’t fight the process

Yang means the transformation of potential into reality. It’s exciting and uncertain. Be flexible with yourself and your plans. Change course if you feel like it’s warranted instead of trying to fight the current.

If we can hold fast to the insight of what’s really important then we can have the courage to be flexible in the face of challenges. If you keep to that insight then you will always be on the right course. Ride the twists and turns, appreciate the ebbs and flows. They’re all part of the process.