Six Tips for Spring Renewal
Spring is always a time of change, of shift, of possibilities. Where I write from in Palm Springs, the sky is a wide high blue, the pool invites ease and renewal, and the bougainvilleas are just starting to bloom. It's good to remember that a butterfly takes time in the cocoon before it's ready to break out with full wings. Let yourself take that time. Honor what is changing under the surface. As I sit here I am reminded that external ease and internal calm are not the same thing. Despite the current environs, I am restless, uncertain, and generally hungry for something not yet present.
I put together this short list of 6 tips to feed us this spring, as we celebrate, or wait to celebrate the good we don't yet know is coming.
1. Learn something new. Learning new facts, new associations, or new ways of doing things will shift the neural pathways in the mind. A new pathway is like an untrod trail – it can discover and shift the world we live in. In addition, a moderate amount of stress is actually required to stimulate the kind of curiosity to spend time learning. So, if this spring is feeling stressful, maybe this new info will be helpful -- did you know that in different parts of the world, there are more than 4 seasons?
2. Bring your exercise outdoors. Nature does not disappoint; take time to look at the beauty near you. The days are longer now, especially in the PNW. Decide to catch the sun—or the cloud formations—or the rain; you’ll get vitamin D no matter the weather. Start by checking out with a hike in one of these hidden gems.
3. Shed some layers. As the days warm, we know to remove layers on our body. But what about in the world of stuff we've collected. It's time for Spring Cleaning! Make room for the new by creating space in your closets, cupboards, and garage.
4. Choose boredom. “Being bored is a precious thing, a state of mind we should pursue. Once boredom sets in, our minds begin to wander, looking for something exciting, something interesting to land on. And that’s where creativity arises.” ~ Peter Bregman
5. Remember your Divinity. Spend five minutes contemplating the miracle of your existence. How much had to align perfectly for you to be a human at this time, in this place? What force brought you into being? What force sustains you? How on earth could it be different from you? You are one with one. Remembering this is a sure fire way to speed up your growth.
6. Gather with friends. As we garner more responsibilities and stressors, community can seem like something that will just happen in the background. It's an I'll-get-to-it kind of thing. But friendships need to be tended, and it's always a two-way tending. Make it a priority to be with your people. Starting with the person that is you.
If you are looking for a concrete way to gather with friends, I’m hosting my third Touchpoint Community Circle this upcoming Thursday at 6:30. We practice multiple methods of getting present, with improv, inquiry, and inspiration. I’d love for you to join!