The Season of Renewal: Conscious Cleansing in Spring
Jeff Pufnock L.Ac. Ph.D. and Jessica Youngs L.Ac., Owners, Embodied Virtue: Holistic Health & Herbal Medicine.
Now we find ourselves in the midst of spring, as the natural world is reborn from the dormancy of winter. In this season, we utilize the nourishment instilled within during the deep rest of winter to support the emerging creative energy of spring. To experience the vitality of spring in a healthy way, there must be a clear pathway inside ourselves for it to follow. These concepts of seasonal living may initially feel esoteric or foreign, however, the desire to create clarity in the spring is well known in the tradition of ‘Spring Cleaning’. Chinese Medicine provides us the additional wisdom that ‘Spring Cleaning’ must occur not only within our garages, but also within ourselves.
In our physical bodies, we can embrace this upward momentum by increasing our physical activity levels to rejuvenate our metabolism and shed the physical remnants of winter. These activities are best done outside, witnessing the emergence of spring in all its natural wonder. Stretching is also very beneficial at this time of year to enliven, open up, and create more space in the physical body.
The simplest dietary guideline to implement in the spring is to abstain from overeating. It is essential during this season to eliminate foods that are heavy and difficult for the body to detoxify. Instead, focus on eating plenty of lightly cooked seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs.
Spring is an opportunity to clear our minds and emotions by letting go of past anger, frustration, and resentment. In Chinese Medicine these emotions are known to not only restrict the freedom of our minds, but to also inhibit the health of our physical bodies. We can reclaim our well-being in the present and future by continuously moving towards acceptance and forgiveness of the past.
Utilizing the clarity that has been cultivated in both body and mind, the expansive spring energy can then be harnessed to move forwards in pursuit of our dreams and aspirations. This is a time for vision, planning, and engaging in daily activities with determination and creativity. Embrace spontaneity and new avenues to express yourself. Most importantly, do not rush to immediately fill all the space you have created in your life. As we move towards the full manifestation of summer, keep these spaces open so they can be filled with something amazing yet to blossom.
Tips for Vibrant Spring Living:
Go on a walk, hike, or bike ride and engage with the emergence of spring in nature around you.
Eliminate fatty, fried, processed foods, foods with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and flavorings, white sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
Eat until you are 80% full. Prepare seasonal fresh vegetables with light cooking methods such as steaming, quick boiling, quick sautéing, and stir-frying.
Release old anger, frustration, and resentment. Apologize to anyone who needs an apology from you. Embrace all life with compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Envision your future and clear a path for the manifestation of your dreams.