SPRINGTIME, how I love thee! The expanse of newly uncovered space in the environs that was previously cluttered with snow piles, snow suits and junk mail gifts a lift to my soul that makes it absolutely sing. When winter is here, I accept and comfort the natural inclination to hunker and cuddle, but when the ticket is punched for the seasonal shift, I greet the equinox warmly.
The shift from winter to spring elicits a great rise in electricity, so much so that I need to do my due diligence to keep grounded and not spin off into overwhelm of the projects that lay afoot. I remind myself to thankfully return to my practice in yoga that holds me steadfast, reminds me to breathe, and to embrace the energies of change with all the accompanying opportunities that are offered.
For instance, I have found great enjoyment in paring down my clothing over the last two years. We moved to our new home in 2013, just 5 days after Baby B was born, and the amount of STUFF we had, er -- I had, was impressive. Little by little, I have continued to whittle away the items that no longer hold a place in my heart or my wardrobe, and it feels damn good to streamline the options. Over the course of those two years I have lost approximately 30 pounds, so that helps too! Each season gives me an opportunity to look back at the clothes from the past season, and if something wasn't worn, it goes in the Goodwill bag.
Our New Old house was built in 1921, and our kitchen is wee, so paring down is essential. I'm sensitive to odors and chemical scents, and have since come to love making my own cleansers. Gone are the days of bottle upon bottles of toxic cleansers under my sink! I use baking soda to scrub surfaces, and make surfactant spray cleansers with white vinegar, water and essential oils. I just found this recipe for a homemade Orange Power cleanser (anyone who practices self massage/abhyanga will appreciate this!) and can't wait to give it a day in my bathtub court.
My grocery list gets revamped as well. In place of soups and one pot meals are meals built around salads, and lighter, cooler fare. My morning green juices get Juicier with seasonal fruits and berries, and my blender and juicer get a ton of action once the melons make their appearances!
In the sentinel classical yoga text by Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 2.40 discusses Saucha, or purity/cleanliness, and it's pertinence to our practice. When we skillfully minimize the complexities of material (and even emotional) possessions, we create and cultivate space for the Divine to breathe with us. Without the clutter and chatter there grows space and freedom, and in turn, intrinsic wisdom that finally gets an opportunity to be heard, instead of throwing 'bo's against the superimposed media messages that argue we need more.
I first learned of decision fatigue from one of my teachers, Dr. Claudia Welch, and once I heard the term, it was immediately understood, and I don't know how I wasn't aware of it before. We live in a world where unplugging is virtually impossible! How many decisions, no matter how minute or grand, have you made by 9 a.m.? By noon? By 9p.m.? By giving myself a simple outline for the next day (that includes what I will wear, meals, and activities/work plans) the night before, I greatly reduce any potential for anxiety that can arise by too many options amid the hustle of the day.
Additionally I've adopted self care methods in order to avoid fraying at the edges. Establishing a practical and nourishing dinacharya, or daily self care practice, has been key, and special attention is paid particularly to cleansing and simplifying my day in every way. When life comes at you fast and furious, it just makes sense to remove the rubble and allow for flow.
How are you feeling in your transition from Winter to Spring? What are you finding challenging or exciting in doing so?