Spring’s Finally Here, Why I am I So Miserable?

Spring’s Finally Here, I’ve been waiting for it forever…Why I am I So Miserable?

Yep, more than one person has asked me that, in so many words, in just the past few days since we officially shifted into spring.

Careers are in flux. Old relationship issues are surfacing. Buried stuff in general is emerging. Folks we haven’t seen or heard from for months are coming out the woodwork, for better or worse. It’s TAX season in the U.S., for heaven’s sake. Need I say more?

Clearly, I feel it too, ya’ll.

And that’s perfectly okay. Normal.

For myself and quite a few people I know, this winter that just passed at times felt especially long and dark. There were some pretty scary patches in there. So of course, because darkness and light feed each other, we automatically think the light and growth of spring fixes everything.

Well, sort of. It’s not quite as easy as “Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead…”

But let’s take a breath and slow down for a sec…

Growth, by its very nature, is unsettling. And spring, the ultimate season of growth, can indeed feel at times both amazing and unsettling. Like a brand new relationship, or a new job, or a new family member…We’re so excited for the changes, but also at times uncertain, and frankly at times feeling all sorts of mixed up.

Sound familiar? Keep those deep breathes going…

In fact, that’s all a perfectly natural, normal part of the process of awakening.

Think about it…the earthy, cool, quiet darkness of winter fuels the lighter, brighter, exuberant energy of spring. All of that blossoming takes strength, determination, and WORK. As in the seasons in nature, so in the seasons of our lives.

So what can we do to navigate the ongoing, constant shifting of energies? Some ideas:

1. Meditate and breathe conciously…as a way to connect and face energies we are feeling, rather than as an escape from them. Even five minute, or fewer, can make a huge difference.

Sally Kempton explains this all very simply and compassionately here. 

We had some of this Middle Eastern influenced lentil stew for dinner Sat night.

2. Spring Cleaning: In some ways, this is the most empowering move of all, I think. Shift stagnant energies by de-cluttering and energetically clearing your space. Even re-organizing a closet or one set of files can have profound effects. This sort of work, done mindfully, is incredibly liberating and clears energy in your space, and in you, for abundance and positive energy flow in ALL areas of your life. Sometimes, all I have time for is to mindfully set an intention as a light a stick of incense or a candle as a way to clean and re-set the energy of my space. And you know what? Even those tiny moves make a difference.

A fabulous book on this topic, presented through the lens of Feng Shui?  “Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life” by Karen Rauch Carter.

3. Enjoy grounding foods, more cooked, less raw, at least for now. Raw food are very activating and can be unsettling for some of us at certain times of year. Study up a bit on Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, and re-balance your diet (gently!) according to what’s best for your individual constitution. Prepare your own simple meals when you can. This is very centering and empowering. This lentil based, vitamin packed soup, for example, is a simple one-pot start.

4. Pace yourself. Yes, we all want to get out there and just go, go, go. Hiking, paintball, running a million errands, seeing every person we know. Ugh, exhausts me just writing that all out, but I do it too. Ha!

How about we ease into increased activity instead, so that we merge smoothly onto the highway of spring, rather than unevenly? Three errands instead of 6 in a day? One social outing a weekend rather than 3? Your mileage may vary, but you get the idea.

Yoga in the kitchen at a past retreat. What a bunch of posers we are 😉

5. Calming, grounding yoga practices: Inverting and backbending? Yes, but within reason, and make sure to incorporate at least a couple of re-balancing twists and soothing forward folds into any yoga session. And melt into savasana, rather than rushing out onto your next task.

6. Embrace creativity, fun, and loved ones: The warmer temperatures bring out that playful side. Go with it. Try something new, spend quality time with those who are special to you, and connect with your inner joy.

So a spring re-set day might look like this for me:

Wake up, and meditate for a few minutes to set an easeful tone.

Enjoy a hot beverage while preparing for the rest of the day.

Go for a walk outside or to a yoga class. Bonus if I can see a loved one while doing this. No time for a long movement session? A few simple moves will do.

If it’s a workday, work. Mindfully and with a positive attitude. Strive to interact pleasantly with at least one other human being for no other reason than the fact that it feels NICE.

In any case, once back at home…

Put a pot of soup on, and as it bubbles away, ease into a household or life task related to spring cleaning. Even 15 minutes towards something of this nature can be incredibly empowering.

Maybe a social outing at night, or a chill night in with a book, either solo or with loved one/s, and the cats.

A calming, soothing bath or shower, with beautiful smells that I like, such as lavender and coconut.

As early to bed as possible. Sweet dreams and happy spring!

So I head to India soon, possibly by the time many of you read this. I’ll be doing my best to adapt my daily life to the season, the location, and the present moment. I invite you all to do the same, with love, compassion, openness, and joy.

With love and light,

Bria

 

 

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