Embracing Spring for Mind, Body & Soul

Welcome Spring! September marks the beginning of many people’s favourite season. The days are warmer and getting longer and we feel more joy and hope. 

SPRING EQUINOX: 22 SEPTEMBER 2024
Spring Equinox celebrates the mid way point between Winter and Summer. Like the Autumn Equinox, it’s a day of perfect harmony and balance with equal hours of daylight and darkness.

Spring is the season known for lifting spirits, new beginnings, hope and joy. After a long winter, we emerge from hibernation renewed and ready for life. We feel more social and greet the longer days with enthusiasm. Whilst Day lights saving doesn’t officially start till 6 October, we witness the gradual increase of earlier sunrises and later sunsets.

 

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view there are two key organs that symbolise Spring; Liver & Gallbladder. Both are connected to the Wood element. It’s also a big shift from the Yin seasons of Autumn and Winter into the Yang seasons of Spring and Summer.  Just like the seed that has been dormant during winter, we bud and emerge ready to grow in Spring. It’s a time of expansion rather than contraction.

The Liver is known as the “General” and encourages the smooth flow of Qi (energy) as well as detoxification and balancing the body. The Gallbladder is known for decision making and taking action.

 

 

7 TIPS TO EMBRACE SPRING
1. Increase your greens: The colour associated with the Liver is green. Reach for fast growing foods like peas, beans, broccoli, kale & lettuce.
2.  Avoiding Hay fever: Eating easily digestible, warming foods means the body doesn’t have to work as hard and supports immunity.
3. Move your body in the morning: The key to keeping the liver happy is to circulate all that Qi.
4. Spending time with trees: Go for a nature walk, it is the wood season after all!

5. Spring winds can be challenging: Our livers do not like wind. Dressing for Spring means avoid getting caught out by the wind. (e.g. Keep a jumper in your bag/ car)
6. Spring Cleaning: Have a big cleanse of the house. Go through cupboards and sell, donate or throw what no longer has a place in your life. Purification is a great way to start the Spring season. 
7. New Beginnings: Journal or spend some time thinking about what new beginnings you are seeking; a new job, new habits, healthier boundaries, moving house etc.

Ritual: Set up your own Spring Altar on the Equinox. Encourage children to create, craft or draw butterflies, eggs, flowers and fairies. Share a picnic outside with Spring food to welcome this sacred season.