Spring is here at last. This is the season of rebirth. And it’s only natural that as dark, depressing winter gives way to budding greenery, we find ourselves longing for renewal.
We’re wired to feel joy and hope when we can see life bursting forth everywhere we look. The Earth is literally clueing us in to the spirit of rejuvenation that people of all walks of life should embrace.
Read on for simple tips to help you renew your spirit this spring:
Really savor life’s simple pleasures. Take time out of your day to enjoy the taste of delicious food and perhaps a glass of good wine. Inhale the rich, mysterious fragrance of dirt as you prepare your garden. If you have a moment of pure silence, tune into that moment so you really experience it. Get a massage as a treat and make a point of staying present throughout.
Keep a journal. One of the best ways to practice self-care is to keep a journal. I personally am meticulous with my journaling practice, and having a written record of my life has been an invaluable factor in my spiritual journey. Each day, take 10 or 15 minutes to write. Write what you feel: your thoughts, dreams, questions. By checking in with yourself daily through writing, you will gain a keen sense of what peace means to you, and your soul will go to work to find the answers.
Embrace an art form that gives you goosebumps. Art is one of the most transformative modes of communication. It helps us connect to our humanity and the Earth on a deeper level— sometimes that connection is even beyond words. Find your own meaningful form of art to either practice or appreciate. Some examples may include painting or sketching, learning a musical instrument, or taking a sewing or acting class.
Practice gratitude daily. Maybe you’re having a tough time right now, or maybe things are going a-okay (I hope!). Either way, get used to feeling grateful for the gifts you do have. Sometimes writing them down in a gratitude journal can help, but you don’t have to do that: Just use your senses and pause to reflect on the beauty you see, hear, taste, and smell around you.
Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving, because it forces you to continually find the silver linings during life’s storms. Acknowledging the positives in your life makes even the roughest paths seem more tolerable and in time will make you more resilient.
Find a spiritual practice that resonates with you. It is important to work on connecting your body, mind, and soul in some meaningful way. Check out a yoga class, or meditation, or find a spot by a stream or lake that gives you a peaceful feeling. The possibilities are endless; you can even create a “shrine” in your home. It doesn’t need to mimic an altar; it’s enough to have a collection of photos and objects that remind you of people you love or make you feel serene.
Weave random acts of kindness into the fabric of your life. There is no better way to celebrate the spirit of spring than being kind and loving to others. You don’t have to be showy; sometimes a smile is all it takes to brighten a stranger’s day. But if you really wanted to, you could buy a bunch of flowers and give them to a neighbor who seems lonely or heavy-hearted. Or just be extra generous when tipping your server. Paying it forward is a kindness that will only perpetuate love.
Find something to smile about every day. Choosing joy over sadness is a continual journey. You’re not going to feel great every day. Bad things are going to happen. But choosing how you respond to life’s ups and downs will affect you deeply in the long run. That’s why it is so important to smile every day. Soon, you may notice that your outlook is more hopeful than ever before. And hope is what it’s all about.
Find inspiration through music. You probably already know which music feels intuitively good to you. Find time every day to play music in your home that resonates and makes you feel connected to your own spirit. Maybe you love to listen to jazz on Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee. Or, say, ’80s pop makes you feel joyous and giddy. (I’m not judging!) Find a time to get lost in your music and enjoy the peace you feel when that happens.
While spring means different things to different people, each of us could stand to have a little more hope and peace day to day.
David Solomon is a Christian minister and the author of The Dead Saints Chronicles: A Zen Journey Through the Christian Afterlife. For more information visit www.deadsaints.org.
