Here in northern New England, it seems that spring has finally decided to show its face. We’ve had some lovely weather, and most of the snow has melted. How about a spring cleansing for your body, mind and spirit? We’ve now fully entered the lightest part of the year, with longer days and more vibrant energies. Tap into the energy of spring, allowing its resonant music to recharge you and restore your vitality after a long and sluggish winter.
The most obvious place to start is with your body, and more specifically your digestive system. We tend to eat more during the winter, and indulge in heavier foods. If it’s a safe practice for your body, try fasting, which helps clean out your digestive tract (check with a health care provider or healer if you have any ongoing medical concerns). You can fast completely for a day, simply drinking water, or you can do a liquid fast with fruit juices and soup broth. If an entire day is too much, try a mini-fast, not eating your next meal until your body gives you clear signals of hunger, whether or not the clock tells you it’s “time for lunch.”
When you are fasting, take time to slow down and feel the sensations in your body. Notice how you feel at different times throughout the day. You may feel shaky or lighter than normal. If you feel a bit weak or dizzy, simply take some time to rest, napping or meditating. Be sure you drink plenty of water, which helps cleanse the toxins from your body. When you break your fast, begin by taking in simple foods, such as fruits, leafy greens and whole grains.
A media fast may be just the thing for a cluttered mind. We all take in many sounds and images over any given 24-hour period. Take a break, shutting off the TV and radio and saving your newspaper and e-mail for tomorrow. If anything truly important happens, you’ll find out about it soon enough. Enjoy the feeling of silence, allowing the intervals between thoughts to spread out. If your mind still feels full of stray thoughts, grab a piece of paper or your journal and set a timer for 15 minutes. Begin to write whatever comes to mind, in a stream-of-consciousness manner. Don’t edit or censor yourself; simply let all your thoughts flow out onto the paper. Once you are done, sit for a few moments with your eyes closed and notice how you feel.
There are many ways to cleanse your spirit. One that works well for me is to use a mantra. Pick a mantra or chant that you like, or invent one. Sit or lie comfortably with your eyes closed, and focus on your breathing. Once you are completely relaxed, begin to chant your mantra, aloud or in your head. Chanting it aloud will produce a more noticeable effect, as the vibrations of the sound resonate throughout your energy system, but if you need to do it silently you will still reap the benefits. Chant the mantra over and over, letting the sounds rhythmically wash over you. Be sure you are breathing steadily as you chant. You may begin to feel the top of your head tingling. Let the vibrations of your chant resonate throughout your aura, sensing the waves of cleansing energy. When you feel ready, let the chant slowly ebb away, perhaps ending with an “ahhh” or “ommm” sound.
By practicing spring cleansing, you are readying your entire being for the vibrant energies of the sun’s return. Once you have emptied and cleansed your body, mind, and spirit, be sure to fill those empty spaces with intentional energy. Take a walk outside, absorbing the rays of the sun and the energy of the awakening earth. Find or create an affirmation that you can repeat throughout the day, bringing it to mind and focusing your energy on it. Say prayers to the earth, or recite mystical poetry. Express your creativity in a way that feels joyful to you, focusing on the process and not the outcome. Take time to simply relax and enjoy the warmer weather.