The energy that spring brings is palpable. Each year, when the sun finally comes out and feels warm on the skin, there’s a noticeable shift of energy on the island. People awaken with smiles, greet each other on the street and we all start coming out of hibernation to salute the sun.
Do you remember my first article in the fall? Scientists have shown just 17 minutes a day in nature is beneficial for the mind and body! Getting outside is one of the best wellness practices you can indulge in this spring. Though March is still a little bit cold and slightly too early to start planting in the gardens, you know we’ll all be out there anyhow, prepping the beds, digging in the dirt and soaking up any minute the sun is out.
For those without a green thumb, there are many other options for spending more time outdoors. For the adventurous type, hiking trails become more accessible as the snow melts and wandering through the forest observing the subtle changes in spring is the perfect way to ground yourself and welcome the new season. There are dozens of local hiking groups on Facebook, as well as the All Trails app to help you find new places to explore.
Another way I like to celebrate spring is enjoying campfires. It’s always disappointing when the forest fire seasons starts (earlier and earlier each year), so enjoying the warmth of a fire while it’s safe to do so is a great option. You can invite some friends and reconnect after a long season of hibernation. Plus, you can bring some food outdoors to roast on the fire or pack a picnic to go enjoy with a nice view.
As we shift into a more active season, maybe you take some time to set some new intentions. You could take a few moments to meditate in the sun or simply reflect on your life and any new habits you’d like to adopt this season. This is a great time of year to try something new – tackle something on that bucket list of yours. Doing new things is a fantastic way to manifest good energy and feel alive.
For those of you who enjoy practicing yoga or finding more spiritual ways of connecting with nature, you could indulge in some ‘Sun Salutations’ in a comfortable place outside. The ‘Sun Salutation’ is a series of yoga poses that bring countless benefits to the mind and body. It improves circulation, rate of respiration, balances the endocrine systems and strengthens the joints and bones. Personally, I like starting the day with a couple of ‘Sun Salutations’ in the spring, looking out onto my lawn and I get to notice the subtle changes of the sun’s light as we get closer to the solstice. It really helps me feel more connected with the bigger picture.
Regardless if you celebrate this new season with time outdoors, new hobbies or fresh foods, I hope you start to feel lighter this season and ready to take on the world around you!
(Brittany Leonard is a teacher at Chemainus Secondary School, an author and yoga instructor at The Hive Collective in Chemainus).