Welcoming Spring!

 What do you think of when you think of spring?What sounds or smells does the springtime evoke? For me, I think of the longer days- the extra light in our lives. I can hear the birds chirping. You might notice some baby bunnies in the yard. The air smells like fresh mulch. And trees are showing signs of buds- their rebirth from the winter months. Just like the plants and animals- this time is symbolic of our own rebirth from the winter time. 

When looking at the actual spring equinox, the earth is not tilted away or towards the sun. It is known as the vernal equinox and in the Northern Hemisphere it falls on March 19th, 20th, or 21st (basically, the earth doesn’t take a perfect 365 to rotate around the sun every year, which is why it doesn’t take place on the same day every year). Everyone receives equal amounts of sunlight or same length day and night.

Spring should be a time of joy- the days and nights are becoming more equal in length, perhaps bringing back some balance in our lives. Just like the earth is coming alive again- so are you. Nature is waking back up and it’s also your time to experience your own fresh start. The darker months are over, begin to awaken to new ideas and thought processes. Let the sunlight and warmth allow you to feel alive and inspired in your life.  
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Personally, the change in seasons can leave me unbalanced and fatigued. Not everyone experiences this, but here are some small ways to tap back into the light and feel refreshed. 
-Plant seeds to harvest for the summer months. You can plant actual seeds, or seeds of intention- what do you want to plant in your own life during this season of rebirth and new beginnings?
-When you go on walks, take in different trees and plants you see blooming. Observe and discuss how they change throughout the season. Which are your favorite? This is a great practice in presence and noticing the world around you change. 
-Celebrate the season with eggs! Cook them, have an egg hunt. 
-Share what you would like to see blossom in your life. This can be in a journal or with people close to you. 
-Make some plans for the upcoming warmer months. 
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My favorite yoga positions for spring:
-Sun salutations to warm up the body (Surya Namaskar)
-Low lunge (Anjaneyasana)
-Warrior III to Standing Split (Virabhadrasana III to Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
-Yogi Squat (Malasana)/ Crow (Bakasana) 
-Hero’s Pose (Virasana)
​-Lizard Lunge (Utthan Pristhasana) or Pigeon (Kapotasana)

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Waiting in line at Rita's is a spring ritual for us. It's both a practice in patience and a chance to celebrate together!