Spring is here! There is a reason that ancient cultures recognized the Spring Equinox as a major turning point in the year. Ceremonies were held to honor the time that night and day are equal. From now on for the next few months, the abundance of sun, warmth, and light will be ever increasing. We should feel corresponding changes in our own body and energy. Have you been waking up earlier? Have you had more energy recently? Have you felt restless and the need to move more? Welcome to Spring.
How do we nourish our bodies and harmonize with the qualities of Spring? What feels natural at this time? How can we harness and harvest the energy or qi of spring?
Spring is connected with the dawn and early morning. Spring time is like the dawn time of the year, just like winter is like the midnight of the year. It is a good time to get up early and be present with the dawn. Waking up and exercising gently can provide abundant energy for the whole day. Engaging in exercises that allow our body to move are beneficial, especially exercise that emphasizes flow and smoothness. Tai chi, qigong, flow yoga, going for walks or light runs are all beneficial. But, beware! We are not at the time of uber-yang energy that happens in summer time. Don't over do it! Doing too much, over stretching, or over extending is likely to injure our tendons and muscles!
Eating lighter and eating spring greens should be another easy practice to incorporate. Our ancestors were literally starving for the fresh nutrients provided by wild green foods at this time. Dandelion leaves and nettles are particularly strengthening and nourishing to our bodies at this time. Dandelion soothes and cleanses the liver (which can be challenged in the spring) while nettle builds and strengthens our blood and vital energy (partially by being very rich in iron, minerals, and vitamins). There should be less heavy animal products in our diet and more vegetables. Though, one shouldn't feel like they need to jump into all raw foods...the fruits of the summer time are still off in the future.
While it is normal to feel the abundance of energy in the morning time, it is still natural to feel a drop in energy in the afternoon and even to be tired in the evening. However, one should not feel exhausted! After the stillness of Winter, our restlessness in Spring can push us to do too much. If you are feeling exhausted, have low back or knee pain, or are finding yourself prone to injuries (especially to your tendons) it would be wise to cut back activity levels some and rest more.
There are some specific practices that are designed to gather the special energies of Spring time. Here are two simple ones:
5 Breaths at Dawn: After waking up in the morning and dressing adequately, go outside and face east as the sun rises. With the hands relaxed at the sides gently inhale and exhale 5 times. Imaging breathing in the energy of the east and spring into your body with each breath. To end, gently place your right palm on top of your left palm, with your finger pointing opposite directions. The back of your right hand should face the sky and the back of your left hand should face the ground. Let you mind rest below the navel a couple of inches, inside the body. This is a traditional Daoist practice.
Barefoot Dew at Dawn-In Japanese folk tradition and the macrobiotic world, the dew in spring time is supposed to contain a very nourishing quality. Once a week, waking up early and walking barefoot in the dew is supposed to help bring in the qi of spring. This is particularly useful for treating heat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, red skin conditions, acne, anger, and red face.
Wander and nourish in the spring dawn.
Lengthen the tendons and move like the wind,
The body becomes smooth as the world reawakens.
Watch the flowers and the plants and allow yourself
to bloom as they do.
Nourish life by gathering Spring Medicine!
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