On winter to spring-find flow as the season changes
How do you find the transition from winter to spring?
Hello there,
How you find the transition from winter to spring? I’ve noticed this particular season change is a big one for me each year so I’m interested to hear about your experience too.
Every spring I notice a period of restless energy as the light increases as well as a sadness that winter is over. All season changes bring a sense of loss to me but this is a kind of reverse SAD.
Don’t get me wrong. I love spring. There is so much beauty and growth. It’s the change that has me in a spin.
This week I’ve drawn the ace of wands twice in relation to a question about spring. I can see the energy of that card everywhere. In the magnolia in bloom on a neighbour’s tree, in how the light mornings wake you up more easily, in the vibrant yellow of daffodils. It’s a strong, upward moving yang energy and if it peaks quickly you can feel unsettled and anxious.
This morning, I revisited my journal entry from this exact day one year ago. There it was in gel pen, I had been ill with a stomach bug and I'd taken a day off sick. This year, a similar story as I find myself laid up on the sofa with a sore throat. I've spent countless springs on the acupuncturist's couch too. Late March comes round and like clockwork premenstrual symptoms get worse.
There’s inner spring too. Around day 4 or 5 of my cycle as inner winter tails off and inner spring sits on the horizon, a restless snappy energy rises to the surface. It's as though the change in season is too strong and my body rebels in an attempt to keep me in my winter bear cave.
With all this in mind I thought I'd remind myself of some simple self care ideas and share them with you. A couple of subscribers have told me they feel out of sorts so I do hope you find something nourishing here.
Here are some Spring self care ideas for moving into spring in a grounded way
Check in with your cards. Ask them the question, what energy would support my wellbeing today? My spring refresh reading runs through to March 31st and you can find it here
Use Roman Chamomile. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spring is a time when the Liver Qi can be out of balance. This can cause a number of symptoms such as muscular tension, PMT, stress and depression that feels like a stuckness. Roman chamomile helps ease these symptoms and can be placed in some olive oil and rubbed into the shoulders or on the abdomen (it eases menstrual cramps) If Roman chamomile isn’t your thing (it has a hay or grassy like smell) then you can use lavender and or bergamot. Here is a link to my Neal’s Yard Remedies online shop where you can find these oils. My shop
Practice awareness. Notice when the energy in your body is becoming ungrounded. Notice your feet on the ground, breathe into the lower abdomen. I know this sounds simple but the question is, do you do it?
Don’t go mad on starting a new exercise routine without building up to it. Your energy might get over stimulated. Walks in the fresh air in nature are a good way to start in spring. I have to say, I'm not in danger of doing this one lol.
Here are some journal prompts you might like to ask yourself as the end of winter approaches. These are from my good friend Katrina Berry
What inner wisdom did you gather on your journey inward this winter?
What did you learn about yourself?
What challenged you this winter? Where have you felt uncomfortable or out of sorts?Where is it clear you are ready to grow?
Practice gentle Qigong. Here is a video to help get liver chi energy flowing for spring. I really like this lady. She has a soft voice and she does her routine outdoors near a lake. You can hear the birds singing. A feel good routine!
I hope you find your flow at this point of the year. Remember the spring equinox is coming on Wednesday. For a few days there will be an equal amount of dark and light and then the amount of light in a day will increase. This is a tipping point, a turning point and in astrology it’s a season ruled by a belligerent mars. Aries season is the astrological start to the year so it’s strong and can make you feel invincible. Take care to protect your energy and as always, find your gentle.
Love Claire Amritavani Brown
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This is such a thoughtful post and a timely read for me. I feel quite restless and can relate to that sense of stuckness, too. It's lifting as the days get brighter and I get better but it's been the slowest shift into spring I can remember having!
Also the link for the journal prompts doesn’t seem to work?