Spring Equinox

Towards the end of February we all begin to feel a bit eager for the sunshine and warmth to return. Those in colder regions with the snow having covered the ground for so many months have been indoors longer periods than usual and are especially feeling ready for mobility + more activities outdoors. Spring symbolizes renewal, filling our spirits with hope and joy. Green vibrant shoots make their way bringing beautiful petals and multicolored blooms representing a new beginning for the earth and all her creatures. Spring Equinox is when day + night are equal in length and in perfect balance. A time of growth and rebirth, but also a time to reflect on all kinds of balance in our lives. Ostera (Eostre) is a German Goddess stemming from the Teutonic tribes, she is the Goddess of fertility & rebirth. The Welsh Goddess Blodeuwedd is the Goddess of earths renewal, she is called “Flower-Face” and was revered by the Celts. I wanted to name my second daughter after her. She is symbolically with a hare, the hare is sacred to Goddess Cultures. This is a time to celebrate the seasons change from the dark of winter transitioning into the light of Spring. The maple blossoms in the north tempt the little bees that have just awakened from their Winter slumber. The beautiful chorus of birds singing returns ending the Winters silence. The Anglo-Saxons made offerings of colored eggs to the Goddess Eostre, the Druids dyed eggs Scarlet to honor the Sun. Nature is coming alive because it is the first day of Spring and Pachamama has awakened!💚Wonderful time to Meditate plus also do some Spring cleaning in the home and mind. 

🌱Spring is governed by the Dosha  ~ Kapha and within the Ayurverdic lens the changing of the Season is considered to effect all of us on the earth. The foods we are consuming plays an important role in the Season but what is also important is the transitional time between one season shifting into the other. At this time it’s best to gradually transition these seasonal activities and foods slowly. Bulbs, sprouts and beautiful wildflowers begin to bloom. The blossoms cover pretty fruit trees and the hills are vibrant green while the air is beautifully fresh and clean. As if mother nature has handed us a clean slate for a new beginning for our journey or story of the year that will follow us, representing the ability for us to grow and change. Feelings of excitement, joy, hope, creative new ideas and dreams to follow may be experienced.

Seasonal Transitions & How They Effect Each Dosha🙏🏼🌸Here is what I learned at Kripalu:

🌬Vata is agitated at ~ Transition of Summer into Fall

🔥Pitta is agitated at ~ Transition of Spring into Summer

💦Kapha is agitated at ~ Transition of Winter into Spring

Some of the symptoms of Imbalance in Spring ~

• Seasonal Allergies

• Weight Gain

• Congestion

• Water Retention

• Lethargy or Sadness

Over winter we have accumulated sticky and heavy qualities that make it a wonderful time for a little cleanse and also to begin consuming lighter, warm and dryer foods. 

Try to Incorporate more bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.

Some Ideas-

• Fresh Ginger

• Spicy soups

• Seasonal greens

• Berries

• Turmeric

Try To Reduce ~ Oily, Cold, Heavy and Slow qualities.

Some Foods To Lean Towards this Spring🌻 ~ 

* Spices like pepper & lemons

• Fruits like apples, dried cherries, pomegranate & pears

• Veggies like broccoli, arugula, asparagus, cabbage, artichokes & spinach

• But honestly what is growing naturally in season in your area is best! Supporting local farmers is always the best option for our health & our children’s future!💓

Some foods to reduce-

• Cold stuff

• Dairy

• Heavy sweet fruits-figs, dates and bananas

• Roasted nuts

• Salt 

Lifestyle-

Movement/yoga outdoors if possible and first thing in the morning

Take saunas

Wake with the sun

Practice Neti pot

Dry brushing/Daily Massages with Almond or Grapeseed Oil plus high quality Essential Oil’s of: Bergamot, Grapefruit or Tulsi Oil.

Drink Tea Daily- Tulsi or Rose

Here is an easy little Spring Cleanse Drink😍💚

1 Apple, cored + diced

1 handful of Baby Spinach

Juice from half a lemon

*Place all ingredients into a blender or Vitamix. Blend until it liquefies and enjoy! This is a nice way to break down and release those sticky, moist and heavy qualities from winter by doing a simple spring cleanse to help our bodies to naturally eliminate the extra mucus and fat during Spring time. Incorporate Kitchari each day, morning is the best time to enjoy this Ayurverdic treat.

Asanas lovely for Kapha Season:

*Supine Plank

*Goddess Pose

*Shirshasana (Headstand)

*Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

*Reverse Warrior

*Any energizing Asana you are drawn to💖

Pranayama’s For Spring you may want to explore ~

Agni Sara

Ujjayi 

Kapalabhati 

Remember that you may want to honor this time of rebirth and renewal in your life outdoors soaking in the beautiful sun which our bodies will greatly. You can open your windows to let the Spring in, begin a garden or go on a hike! Don’t forget to set your goals and dreams at this time amigos!🧡❤️🧡