Spring: A Time For Refreshment and Renewal

With spring season officially begun, April showers are providing a time of cleaning and renewal for the earth. Spring is symbolic for rebirth and growth, making this time of year a great opportunity for personal transformation. Create awareness of where you are in your day-to-day life and replace things that no longer serve you with routines and habits that support a refreshed version of yourself. Here are some spring “rituals” to get you started.

Make time for yourself. It’s important to be intentional about this – given how our cultures generally operate in the over-planned, too busy mode. Find a space where you feel comfortable, motivated, or inspired. The start of spring is a great time to use the outdoors as that space. Being in nature has the added bonus of allowing you to get grounded and reconnect with a simpler form of yourself. Time should be set aside when you can live in the present moment without distractions. Leave the nonstop electronic and social demands of daily life behind so you can be in charge.

Clear out the clutter. This includes physical, mental, and emotional clutter you’ve been holding on to, as they often go hand in hand. Pack up your winter gear and start bringing out clothing for the warmer weather. If you find something you haven’t worn or used in two years, get rid of it. Clear out kitchen cabinets of items that have been lying around since you-can’t-remember-when or whose expiration date has long passed. Dispose of medications and first aid products beyond their expiration date. You should also get rid of things that are weighing you down and sapping your energy. Allow yourself to let go of the past to make room for new things to come into your life. Get reinspired to do the things you love and refocus on your goals.

Begin something brand new. Focus on spring as a time of new beginnings and resolve to do something you’ve always wanted to do but never felt you had the time or courage to begin. Explore your creativity: learn a new language, take piano lessons, take a computer class, or go back to school. Volunteer your time by becoming a mentor, helping to clean up your community, or spending time at a refugee center.

When winter fades away we feel lighter and can shed some layers. Everything around us once again begins to hum with life. Flowers and plants bloom, trees grow leaves, insects begin to appear, and the energy of life can be felt again. Spring is when we start feeling more willing to take on new tasks and begin feeling more hopeful. All of these make it a great time to embark on a personal refreshment and renewal.