In earlier calendars, spring was the first season of the year, symbolizing new beginnings. It also signifies an auspicious time for the birthing of new projects and ideas, a time to potentialize our dreams, a time for co-creation and planting seeds, including a reminder of early childhood years.
Meditating at each seasonal shift is one of the most direct ways of experiencing the natural world’s energy and tracing your own response to its ebb and flow throughout the year.
Ideally, meditation should be done outside: in a private and secure spot in your garden or in a public park, or on your balcony or patio. Ideal places could also include a forest or field in which to encounter and attune to the energy of spring. If you choose to meditate in a public place, make sure that you are comfortable and safe to freely meditate.
Perform this meditation on or around the spring equinox date. If this day doesn't work for you, try it as close as possible around this time of year, when many new things are emerging in nature.
SPRING MEDITATION RITUAL
Create your own spring meditation ritual with these seven steps.
Create your own spring meditation ritual with these seven steps.
Settle yourself comfortably and close your eyes. Visualize a fine green mist rising from the ground, radiating from all the growing things around you.
Take three slow, deep breaths. Each time you inhale, visualize the bright green mist energy flowing into your lungs and spreading through your body; bringing with it the feeling of comfort and relaxation, and oneness with your surroundings. As you exhale, release your tension, stress, or worry.
Allow your personal energy to expand slightly so that it merges with the natural green energy around you. Direct your awareness downward into the soil, allowing it to sink deep slowly and gently. Do not force your energy; rather let it sink and sift through the particles of the earth. Once comfortable, stop and feel the energy of the soil around you, cradling and enveloping you.
Visualize spring by breathing in its energy and filling your body. Feel the soil of the spring equinox. Feel the potential that vibrates in the earth. Reach out and sense the movements of the roots and seeds where they curl, absorbing the soil's energy and using it to nourish their force, growing stronger. Sense the slow awakening of these roots and seeds, and think about the potential they hold and the lush life they will soon display. For as long as you like, remain cradled by the energy of the soil, enjoying the feeling of their first stirrings of life.
When you feel it is time to return you may offer the soil a small gift of gratitude. Then allow your awareness to slowly rise up through the soil to return to your physical body. After spending time within the earth, you will probably be so relaxed that slow movement will be natural to you. Make sure that you take the time to return slowly, in a way that you feel balanced and connected to yourself.
Once your awareness has returned, ground yourself as indicated above. Open your eyes and gently move your arms and legs to warm them up and to reaffirm your physical form. Stand up slowly and do gentle stretches to loosen up your muscles.
Journal about how your experience was. How did it feel to interact with the earth at this season? Did the interaction teach you anything new? Did you learn anything new about your geographic location? Did you pick up any insight from the experience? Write down your thoughts and questions, including visions you may have had or new understandings you may have come to. Note your feelings and the weather as this season begins, including the energy of the location you chose.
Using this guidelines for an outdoor meditation will help you feel recharged or relieved as you re-connect with Mother Nature.
Don't believe you are too busy to indulge yourself; even the briefest moments of relaxation can invigorate us for the rest of the days.
Monica is a wife and mother of two teenagers. Passionate founder of Zazen Meditation & Self-care Studio. She is a firm believer in the physical and spiritual healing of meditation. Monica shares her passion by empowering individuals in her community, facilitating workshops in Mindfulness, Holistic self-care and Emotional regulation.
Under the umbrella of Mindfulness practices, Ayurveda Care, Yoga Therapy and Conscious Breath Work. Monica empower her clients by offering guidance to alleviate stress, regain physical, mental and emotional balance, facilitate recovery from life’s shocks.
Monica is trained in classical yoga , Ayurveda Care and Yoga Therapist, Restorative Yoga for emotional balance, Healing meditation and Mindfulness based stress reduction. Monica is a strong advocate for mental health in her community to break the stigma. She uses her voice to raise mental health awareness. Extensively collaborates with non-profit organization, Youth Mental Health Canada. She enjoys cycling, moon walks and spending family time.
To contact Her Email: zazen@zazenstudio.com
To learn more visit Us @ www.zazentstudio.com