As each season arrives, we move through a period of change and transition. This can be seen easily in changes of the natural world all around us but it is also something that is going within us on many levels. By taking some time to harmonize with the energy of each season, we gain an opportunity to look at the patterns in our own lives with a deeper perspective and insight. And, we can be supported by the energies that are most active during the current time of year.
As Spring sets in, the days begin to get longer giving us more light. We can begin to observe new growth in the natural world ~ shoots break through the previously frozen ground and buds pop up on plants and trees almost miraculously, all in preparation for the big Spring Bloom. Spring is the truly a season of new growth and transformation. With all this happening, we may feel our own energy is expanding, flowing and blossoming with new ideas, too!
This makes Spring a wonderful time to reflect, refresh and renew. It is a time for new beginnings and offers us a time to tune into our whole self – body, mind, emotion and spirit. It’s also a great time to review and update our self-care plans as well as explore what might support our well-being during this transitional time and beyond.
I am excited to be sharing this Spring Cleaning Inside & Out 7-Day Virtual Writing Retreat with the HOA community. I’ve started to offer a number of virtual writing retreats throughout the year as a way to tune in through writing and reflection; and to support transformation and healing in ourselves, our relationships and our world. I invite you take some time to explore as you feel called to. It’s not always easy to take time off for a retreat, however it is something we can always create for ourselves in our own way.
I just finished my early Spring Cleanse last, a nine day fast of juicing and master cleanser, which I find helps me to detoxify and recalibrate my system. It may seem like a fast is focused on the physical, but it is actually a way to clear ourselves on many levels. I was amazed out how much more spaciousness I found in my mind and how many emotions were moving through during that time. We often tend to think of spring cleaning in terms of the physical – our bodies, our houses, etc. However, this is a perfect time to really look as all aspects of ourselves inside and out.
Each day for the next seven days, I’ll be offering a reflection and a prompt for you to explore how you can work with the energy of Spring to support transformation and healing in all areas of your life. We’ll be looking at body, mind, emotion, spirit and space – inner, outer and sacred. Come Explore!
Day 1
Spring is a great time to look at your life and make a new self-care plan. Take some time this Spring to look at how you care for yourself, consider where you may be out of balance and where you need to give greater attention to support your overall health and well-being. Consider what you may need to let go of and what you might like to create in your life – this is what Spring Cleaning Inside and Out is all about!
According to Chinese Medicine, Spring is the season of the Wood Element. The organs most active are Liver and Gall Bladder. The color is Green. So, this makes Spring an ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation of our overall health and well-being.
A person with a balanced Wood Element would experience much of the following:
- Sense of Connectedness to Nature
- Clarity
- Organization
- Energized
- Ability & Capacity for Control
- Spiritual Connection
- Enthusiasm
- Healthy Expression of Emotions, especially Anger,
- Mentally Relaxed
- Creative
Wood element imbalances may be experienced in a variety of ways. Let’s take a look at the physical today. These many include:
- Spinal Problems
- Poor Flexibility
- Headaches
- Poor Resistance to Illness
- Allergic Sensitivities
- Skin Problems
- Irritated, watery eyes
- Muscle Fatigue and weakness
Whether or not you notice that you have some type of Wood imbalance or not, now is a good time to reflect on your physical well-being. Take some time to reflect on the following questions:
- Are you physically healthy and active?
- Do you feel comfortable in you body?
- Do you have health issues that limit your life?
- Are you eating a diet that supports you where you are and where you want to be?
- Are there certain things it might be time to let go of from your diet that you are aware aren’t healthy for your body?
Take some time to write and to explore how you might change this area of your life.
Here are some suggestions to explore:
- Begin to develop your own program to keep you body fit and healthy (this may involve trying different things to see what works – be creative!)
- Take a walk for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
- Try a yoga or tai chi class.
- Eat a balanced diet (explore and discover what diet best supports you today!)
- Listen to the messages that your body is sending to you.
- Go for a massage.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Fast or cleanse to detoxify and rejuvenate your body.
- See appropriate health care practitioners or get supports as needed.
Make a list of 3 – 5 things you can do to support your physical well-being. And, keep adding to this list as you learn more about yourself.
I hope you’ll take some time today to write, reflect and explore a whole new you!
As always, you are welcome to share reflections and thoughts in the comments below.
See you tomorrow!
