spring reflections
as wild storms swirl around me , still I know that spring is here… the tiny buds of snowdrops i planted last year are peeking through beneath the cherry blossom tree – their pure white petals beacons of light and hope amidst the green grass… wondrously my kale and spinach plants have survived the winter and are sprouting anew – providing me with my daily greens xxx
feeling gratitude and wonder for the seasons of our beloved planet mother earth – such tenderness in how the seasons gently weave and flow – one into another – amidst the expanse of stars and expanding universe, the seasons are creating a magical backdrop of our lives – connecting us to the natural world bringing innocence joy and deep peace …
A Guided Visualization for Spring….by Deepak Chopra
a meditation for spring that you may like to use to feel inspired.
- Find a cozy spot to relax. Minimize your distractions by turning off your mobile devices and just begin to breathe, slowly and deeply.
- As you settle into your space, notice how your breath connects you to your physical body and any sensations you may be feeling, images in your mind, and thoughts you may have floating by.
- Take a few moments to think about the energy of creation and how it aligns with the newness of the spring season. What does this time of year represent to you?
- Begin to notice how the energy of spring is stirring within you. What needs freshening up in your life? Is there a new project you’re feeling inspired to start? Now that the sun is out, and the birds are chirping, what has you feeling passionate, excited, and motivated in your life? What are you going to create?
- Feel your own energy and become conscious of the sensations in your body as you breathe deeply. What are the words, phrases, or feelings that come up for you?
- As you think about the energy of spring and how you’re experiencing it internally, ask your Higher Self or Higher Power that this idea, this project, or this plan you’re beginning be for your highest good, and for the good of all who will be affected by it.
- Now, imagine yourself going out into this new season and beginning the thing(s) that bring you the most joy—bringing your thoughts and ideas into your external environment and making them come to life. See yourself cultivating and harnessing the energy of spring, both internally and externally.
- When you feel comfortable, slowly open your eyes, take out your journal, and make some notes about what you saw, heard, felt, or experienced during this guided visualization.
Spring
by Christina Rossetti
Frost-locked all the winter,
Seeds, and roots, and stones of fruits,
What shall make their sap ascend
That they may put forth shoots?
Tips of tender green,
Leaf, or blade, or sheath;
Telling of the hidden life
That breaks forth underneath, Life nursed in its grave by Death.
Blows the thaw-wind pleasantly,
Drips the soaking rain,
By fits looks down the waking sun:
Young grass springs on the plain;
Young leaves clothe early hedgerow trees;
Seeds, and roots, and stones of fruits,
Swollen with sap put forth their shoots;
Curled-headed ferns sprout in the lane;
Birds sing and pair again.
There is no time like Spring,
When life’s alive in everything,
Before new nestlings sing,
Before cleft swallows speed their journey back
Along the trackless track –
God guides their wing,
He spreads their table that they nothing lack, –
Before the daisy grows a common flower
Before the sun has power
To scorch the world up in his noontide hour.
There is no time like Spring,
Like Spring that passes by;
There is no life like Spring-life born to die,
Piercing the sod,
Clothing the uncouth clod,
Hatched in the nest,
Fledged on the windy bough,
Strong on the wing:
There is no time like Spring that passes by,
Now newly born, and now
Hastening to die.
springtime diet tips from the ayurvedic system
source www.maharishi.co.uk
- Spring is a perfect time for cleansing your body. Try an apple-only fast for a few days with raw or cooked apples.
- Skipping both breakfast and supper and eating only at lunchtime for 7-10 days is a great detox diet that will really revive your digestive system and restore your strength of appetite.
- Increase lighter foods that are easy to digest, such as fruit and fresh vegetables.
- Eat plenty of freshly cooked vegetables and a variety of lentils and beans. The bitter and astringent tastes of such foods indicate their purifying qualities.
- Breakfast should be light, such as fresh or cooked fruit or just a cup of tea.
- Warm (not hot) honey and lemon water (can add a little ginger) in the morning is very purifying.
- Lunches should be the main meal of the day and supper should be lighter than lunch. Cooked grains, steamed vegetables, and lentils are good choices.
- Eat plenty of bitter green vegetable, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spring greens, broccoli and endives.
- Favour pungent spices such as mustard, ginger, black pepper, cloves and asafoetida.
- Herbs are very suitable to add to your meals, as they generally have bitter and astringent tastes and some are also pungent.
- Support the process of opening up and detoxifying your body channels by drinking hot water and herbal teas.
- Eat only when you are hungry and don’t overeat
- Avoid snacking between meals.
- Reduce the amount of oil or ghee you use while cooking.
- Reduce your intake of dairy products, especially in the morning when it is the Kapha time of day.
- Always boil and add spices such as ginger, cardamom, turmeric, or cinnamon to milk before drinking it. Milk is one of the most nutritious foods available, but because of its cold and heavy Gunas or qualities it can increase Kapha and cause congestion. Boiling milk and adding spices reduces those qualities and helps make this wonderful food more digestible
- During spring your appetite is naturally lower, so reduce heavy, oily and fried foods.