The Spring Equinox represents a balance of day and night.

The word equinox is derived from the Latin word meaning “equal night” and it is one of two days a year where the length of the day and night are nearly equal. The only other time this occurs is in September for autumnal equinox.

For us, the spring equinox symbolizes a time of cleansing, renewal and growth.

As we say farewell to winter we must shed our winter coats, so to speak. During the winter months we tend to go into a state of hibernation: spending more time indoors, sleeping longer hours and indulging in comfort foods. Let us emerge from our hibernation and blossom forward into spring.

As we enter spring, the word cleansing comes to mind. I encourage us not only think of the cleansing of our surroundings, but also the cleansing of our mind and body. We are all familiar with the traditional idea of spring-cleaning: the clearing out of our closets, drawers and accumulated piles in the corners, and throwing out and/or donating unwanted items. Let us use that approach with our mind and bodies as well.

Let’s get rid of the things that are no longer serving a purpose in our lives, those old thought patterns and behaviors; release them, let them go and make room for new thoughts to blossom and flourish.

The celebration of letting go as a means of creating space for growth. Gather with friends and loved ones for a ceremonial cleansing of the internal cobwebs that have built up over the winter months.

Begin by writing down the things that are no longer of service, the patterns and beliefs you would like to let go of. Once you are finished with the list, use scissors to cut out each one. Then carefully burn or shred each piece of paper while saying out loud or to yourself “I release … (read what is written down) from my life”. Afterwards, plant the seed of new intentions. Set an intention (or a few) for the months to come, things that you would like to see develop and flourish. Write these intentions down so you can reference to them as often as desired. Planting an actual seed is a beautiful way to remember your intention and to metaphorically watch it grow throughout the months to come.

Cleansing our bodies of toxins is another way to prepare us for spring. 

Some might find a detox or cleanse to be beneficial, but if that is not something that strikes an interest in you, try incorporating more seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet.

To name a few: asparagus, artichokes, beets, spinach, pineapple, grapefruit, strawberries and cherries. Drinking ginger tea or hot lemon water may also assist in the digestion process. Adding yoga poses such as supine twist and seated prayer twist to your practice may also aid in the detoxifying and cleansing of your body.

Reawaken the life and energy within, by engaging in activities that encourage such. Go outside. Breathe in the fresh air. Drink in the beauty that surrounds you. Spend some time in nature. Linger a few extra moments, allowing yourself to really notice a flower and all of its intricate beauty. Go barefoot and feel the earth beneath your feet and notice how it feels as it squishes between your toes. Turn your head up towards the sun and feel the warmth as it kisses your face. Spread your arms wide, like the wings of a bird, and run freely in a field of flowers.

Find pleasure in an activity that the 10-year-old version of yourself would have relished in. Do whatever it is that truly makes you feel alive.

Let us all shed our winter coats and spread our wings as we soar into spring.

 

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

Editorial Assistant: Kimby Maxson/Editor: Bryonie Wise

Photo: elephant journal archives