Cycles and Rhythms

Once again, we’ve arrived in spring and every year it feels fresh, new, and full of possibilities. I have to remind myself that nature has a cycle and even when we think that spring may not come (remember that long, cold, snowy winter) it does!  And then summer will follow with all of its warmth, energy, and growth.  Fall will bless us with harvests, changing colors on the landscape, and cooler days.  And once again we’ll find winter at the doorstep with her chill, barren landscape, and an innate desire to hibernate with the animals and plants. There is reassurance in this cycle.  When the rest of the world seems out of control, we can focus on the rhythm of nature.

Back to spring… just as the earth begins to wake up, if I listen, I feel it in my body too.  I’m starting to want to eat different foods – more greens, asparagus, and even some foraged ramps and less meat, dairy, and the heavy foods of the past few months. [How to eat in spring: https://kripalu.org/resources/how-eat-spring-according-ayurveda .]  Our clothing eventually changes – less sweaters and boots more t-shirts and sandals. As our energy begins to shift, we become more active and want to spend more time outdoors. Our yoga practice may change a little too – a little more movement a little more heat generation. It’s as if the layers begin to shed allowing us to lighten up a bit.  And while we can  change the outward aspects of our beings, is there more that wants be shed from the inside– a habit, a relationship or is there something yearning to spring forth – a new project or hobby, a new intention?

I find these words from Danna Faulds inspiring from April on the A. T. “…We stride into spring woods hoping to renew ourselves again, like leaves unfurling, like pale yellow violets, like shoots, still curled, and stretching upward to the sun..."

Perhaps a walk in the woods is just what you need to connect to all of this spring energy. Have you been on a walk in the woods lately?  Were you truly present for the walk – taking in the sights, sounds, scents, and life rather than thinking about your to-do list, planning dinner, or fretting over something?  
To be truly present for your next walk in the woods, try a little breath practice before you begin.
•    Let the breath be your anchor, let it calm the body.  An extended exhale promotes relaxation.  
•    Start by noticing the inhale & the exhale – counting as you inhale & exhale, don’t change anything yet
•    Now begin to even out the inhale & exhale – perhaps breathing in to a count of 4 or 5 (or whatever is comfortable to you) & breathing out to that same count for several breaths
•    As you are ready, begin to let the exhale be longer than the inhale – breath in to a count of 4 or 5 and breath out to a count of 5 or 6
•    Continue until you are ready to release
•    Now notice what you feel – notice the effects of the breath

Enjoy your walk!