Spring Equinox

There is always an excitement in the air when spring arrives. Colorful buds are blossoming, more birds are chirping, and new shoots are pushing their way through the earth. Even though winter here in Northern California was extraordinarily mild, you can feel a freshness and anticipation for the months to come.

Today on the Equinox there is equal light and darkness - an end of winter and the beginning of a three month journey to the Summer Solstice.

For several years now I've been studying yoga with Shiva Rea and learning about syncing with the rhythms of nature through various practices. Her new book, Tending the Heart Fire, beautifully illustrates the solar and lunar cycles of the year and ceremonies that take place across the world around these "sacred junctures." Living in a culture that in many ways lacks stories and myths that connect us to our environment, I find it even more important that we create some kind of ritual around these transitions. Whatever it may be, I hope we can all encourage each other to pause, reflect back, and envision the season ahead.

Here are few reflective questions that might be useful to contemplate as the landscape changes around us and within us:

*What needs to be released and let go of before entering this new season?
*What seeds are you wanting to plant for the rest of the year?
*What dietary shifts are appropriate?
(a.k.a. what is the earth providing us with now?)
*What lifestyle practices need readjusting?

I'll be writing more posts about specific Ayurvedic practices for Springtime. Until then, I recommend taking Maria Garre's webinar on April 2nd or detoxing and staying allergy-free, or reading Dr. John Douillard's article on cleansing. Also, on April 11th I'll be giving a talk at the Center for Inner Health and Stillness on tips for staying balanced in the spring. Follow this blog by email or contact me for more info and updates. Have a wonderful Equinox - may we bring ourselves fully into this new season! 

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