Spring is just around the corner. Here are six ways you can welcome it.
1. Celebrate the spring equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, March 20e marks the beginning of spring. Sowing seeds is an equinox activity in which multiple cultures participate during this time. Late winter is perfect for exploring your garden plans, whether that’s a window box of wildflowers or an entire field of vegetables. In the age of 23andI and deep interest in ancestral roots, why not explore the traditions of your culture as well? Or, if accessible, can you contact the elders in your family to see if they practice anything specific to the season?
2. If you don’t really have green fingers, consider mentally “sowing your seeds.”. What do you want to grow and care for in the future? What aspects of your life might you need to renew? How will you start planning now so that you feel abundance in the coming months?
3. Out of hibernation, it’s also a good time to encourage exercise. Using YouTube videos is one of my favorite, free ways to keep an exercise routine accountable. Find the format that suits your interests and activity level and shake off that lethargy!
4. Curate an intentional space. If you also live in a location that gets cold in the winter, it can be beneficial to spruce up your outdoor spaces in preparation for warmer days. For those without gardens and patios, start by noting the locations you’ll be visiting soon. Parks, walking paths, a public bench that catches the afternoon sunlight in just the right way. Where do you want to spend your outdoor time? How will you welcome the coming season with a deeper relationship with nature?
5. Detox. To be honest, I kind of hate that word. I can’t help but associate “detox” with visions of hoity-toity juice, and an often damaging mentality that we’re constantly full of yucky stuff. But stay with me: There is plenty we can do to nourish the body and simplify our lives. Show your liver some love on a physical level! A first-class filter for the body, this organ is a goddamn rock star. Did you know that the most common “toxins” in the body are actually normal metabolic substances that are increased due to poor clearance? A few simple ideas to support clearance include staying hydrated, supplementing your diet with antioxidant-rich foods (i.e., eating the rainbow), and getting that body moving. Cilantro is also a great “detox herb” that can be found fresh in most grocery stores, so maybe it’s time to stock up on that guacamole. (I’m telling you to eat guacamole for your health – and you should! You’re welcome.) All jokes aside, WishGarden’s Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish can also provide an extra boost. As for your life, consider cleansing yourself of ideas that no longer serve you. Think about what you need to let die in order to put energy into something new. Now is the time to replace destructive stories with stories that empower you to move forward.
6. Add a new ritual. Spring is often associated with themes of fertility and growth. Birthing a new ritual is a beautiful way to honor the energy of this season. A favorite ritual of mine is checking in in the morning. How easy can it be to float for 24 hours without tapping once! This practice provides a gentle and comforting nudge to start my day, and helps me feel much more connected to myself. Before I get up, I like to ask the following questions:
How do I feel mentally and physically?
What is my schedule for the day?
What is one small thing I can do to be more successful today?
My answer to the last question is often to drink a glass of water immediately upon getting up. Sometimes five deep breaths are necessary. Every now and then it adds a bottle of Emotional Ally: A Big Herbal Hug to my bag before I head out the door. I end this check-in with a confirmation and then I’m on my way. If this exercise doesn’t appeal to you, find one that does! Adding a consistent, simple ritual can be a solid support for our otherwise chaotic lives. And what better time to start than now?
Happy spring, folks! Wait a minute, it’s almost time!
Writer Amanda Proscino is a certified clinical herbalist and self-proclaimed part-time witch. She has a background in urban environmental youth work, a degree in public health and gender studies, and multiple certifications from the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. Amanda focuses most on accessible therapies, harm reduction techniques, and creative intentionality practices. She can often be found discussing herbs with customers at WishGarden, and can be reached at amanda.proscino@clinicalherbalism.com.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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