Three Tips for Spiritual Spring Cleaning
For a Spring in your Step, try these THREE tips for Spiritual Health this Season
Summer, fall and winter have their fans, but spring is clearly the best season. It’s the season of fresh starts and new beginnings. Sure, January offers a new year, but there’s nothing like the first sprouts of spring to remind us we can begin again.
Spring is synonymous with beginnings, symbolized by growth and evidence of transformation. It’s a time when we’re encouraged to clean our homes and organize our lives. It’s also the perfect time to give attention to renewing our emotional and mental health after a long, dark winter.
Spring: an invitation to begin again
Attending to our needs and engaging in effective self-care is fundamental to clarity of mind and enjoying a joy-filled, inspired life. This may seem obvious, but many of us forget its importance. We all experience difficulty in taming the busy-ness of life and in the process of all the day-to-day doing, we forget to take care of ourselves. Taking time for oneself is not a luxury or an act of selfishness, but rather a critical element for growth, a service to others and a source of fulfillment.
This is Attention: actively listen to our mind and body to assess and notice the state of our Union. By paying attention we can grow in our understanding and our skill in caring for our needs. In it’s simplest form, this is Yoga!
There are many strategies and methods you can use to clear and refresh your mind. Yoga is my primary tool and provides the foundation for everything I teach (and personally practice). Here are THREE examples of activities that have enriched me and have helped me to live a more positive and mentally healthy life:
ONE: Intention.
Make a list of short-term and long-term goals that you want to complete or achieve.
Examples:
- Meditation: sitting quietly and being content just to breathe and be. If you are unclear on what you want (what you really, really want) this is where I like to begin.
- Connection: This may vary from reconnecting with an old friend you have not seen in a while, to taking to savor and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.
- Dream BIG: Think of dreams you have always wanted to achieve – it does not matter how big or small. Having a set of specific experiences or measurable goals can provide a sense of purpose in life and result in feelings of connection and contribution.
TWO: Attention.
Commit time and resources to at least one intention. Cultivate and direct energy to what matters most to you.
Examples:
- Notice: pay attention to what triggers your stress responses to learn and prepare for the next instance. Knowing which situations make you uncomfortable can minimize distress and encourage better coping behaviors.
- Learn: Work on improving your skills in a single specific area, such as communication or coping skills, or even a talent like playing an instrument or learning a sport.
- Let go: Identify a hurdle/obstacle/ challenge that is NOT actually in your control, and try your best to accept the situation for all that it entails as a season in your journey.
THREE: Action.
Identify a specific habit, or determine a sequence of steps to take that support your intention. This is where the rubber meets the road for making Joy happen. After all, we are social creatures meant to live connected stories. Taking action is about renewing your spirit.
Examples:
- Yoga: Practicing yoga and/or meditation can do wonders for the cleansing of the mind and renewing your sense of hope. Through consistent, regular practice you will begin to acknowledge the flow thoughts circulating in your mind and skillfully dismiss them with acceptance and non-judgment. Research studies on the power of meditation have reported a significant reduction in negative energy and number thoughts consuming your day. Inwardly attending through the practice of yoga, meditation or another spiritual practice encourages self-awareness to help you attune to your physical and emotional needs.
- Serve: Actively contribute to your community through intentional donation of time, resources or expertise. This may include volunteering for a cause or issue that you truly care about, helping out a neighbor, or tending a community garden can help you feel good about yourself and your place in the world. An effort to improve the lives of others will surely improve your life too.
- Pause: And last but not least, live in the here and now. This might be the most challenging for me. To NOT do is typically harder than to do even the most challenging tasks. But I’m learning to pause, and take a moment to just be. Maybe it’s to notice the sun and wind on your face, to feel the air you are breathing, to smell the spring blossoms or your cup of coffee. We all get distracted with tasks and responsibilities, sometimes. We feel discouraged by past hurts, losses and disappointments. We forget to notice, let alone appreciate life’s precious moments.
Say Yes to Spring’s invitation
As we move from winter to spring, make sure to evaluate your mental, emotional and spiritual health. Let the returning light of sunshine and warmer weather invite you to play in body, mind and spirit.
Whether you’re drawn to Intention, Attention or Action, Spring is a perfect season to prioritize your health. Bring compassionate permission for spiritual and mental health to the forefront.
Make a conscious effort to notice and understand your inner and outer world. You can improve your mental health and your daily life in this moment.
What are some of the helpful habits or practices that help you in your spiritual health spring cleaning?
