Spring, a Time of Rejuvenation
With the months of March and April comes hope that perhaps spring might really arrive. After our long winter of snow, snow dates, changes in planned schedules, cabin fever, financial woes, health care issues, and the witnessing of the Haiti devastation, we are all ready to have the sun shine. I find myself wanting to breathe deeply, taking in the freshness that comes with our spring air, and allow a long exhale of all that has been — releasing and making room for the new fresher breath.
Fresh and new are exactly what is on the horizon as warmer weather brings us a heightened anticipation of what is yet to come. The grey horizon begins to transform into color, once again. And with the changing season comes our own reason for the fondness of spring and the excitement of its arrival. We may be looking forward to digging our hands into the dirt to begin planting our flowers, or wheeling past the countryside as we, once again, put some miles on our bikes, or watching the thaw as water begins to peek through and show itself in the lake, allowing for the reality of that first spring cast. It may simply be acknowledging the sun being more prominently in our lives while warming our soul from the outside in. Regardless, one can’t help but feel it in the air — that sense of hope and renewal.
This is the time to catapult ourselves into renewing our own sense of being. Clean out the dust bunnies that have accumulated in our spirit with this long arduous winter. We can do this by tapping into the energy springing forth in nature and allowing nature to cleanse our own sense of well-being. One way to do this is to “be in” nature. Nature shows us about renewal as it awakens from hibernation and sprouts forth with new life, new energy, and new focus.
Take some time this spring to tap into this time of renewal, new life, new beginnings and new growth. Shut the TV and computers off and go outside. Notice nature surrounding you as you go out and be in it. Take a walk in the woods or around a lake. Nature can remind us of the miracles that are abundant all around us. Look at those small but mighty nuances and acknowledge this phenomenon. Just by being aware, we can find ourselves tapping into the energy that is surrounding us and feel ourselves being picked up by the grace of what we notice. We can spend time gifting our souls with gratitude and acknowledgement of the trees as we watch them bud and become vibrant in their green spring decor. We can spend time listening to the birds as they congregate to sing. Take note of your surroundings. Be in the moment. Allow yourself to feel that sense that the new is emerging as you immerse yourself in it merely by noting it and allowing the moment to rest or “pause” in it.
Of course, it is only the beginning of spring time and we may have more time indoors than out as the weather decides which way it wants to go. So if the weather does not allow for enough outside time fast enough for your tired winter spirits, perhaps you can do some indoor cleansing for your inner self. Sit quietly and allow yourself to focus on the new growth and new life that is happening.
Breathe in the new breath, the new energy of life. And as you exhale, allow yourself to release the old. Breathe in the miracles that are abounding, the hope, and the new life that is happening. Allow yourself to be in the moment of the ice melting, the leaves budding and flowers peeking out through your imagination. Feel the energy of the new and be open to whatever it may bring for you this spring time. Let yourself feel the anticipation, the miracles, and notice that you can revive your spirits easily through this quiet little exercise. Then allow yourself to use this abundant energy to make your day a miraculous day because you are alive. Life brings new adventures and we know that with the changing season comes opportunity and change for us.
Tags: rejuvenate with spring, releasing the old, set up rejuvenation with spring
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janie Pfeifer Watson
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner- Janie Pfeifer Watson, LICSW, is the founder and director of Wholeness Healing Center, a mental health practice in Grand Island, Nebraska with remote sites in Broken Bow and Kearney. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including depression, anxiety, attachment and bonding, coaching, couples work, mindfulness, trauma, and grief. She views therapy as an opportunity to learn more about yourself as you step more into being your authentic self. From her perspective this is part of the spiritual journey; on this journey, she serves as a mirror for her clients as they get to know themselves—and, ultimately, to love themselves.
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