Can you feel the revival of spring as well?
Nature is waking up and I, too, am emerging from my hibernation mode. I feel the need to flourish and to shine, to unfold my full potential. Like nature I want to start a new cycle. What it contains isn't clear yet. But I want to take the crocuses blooming everywhere now as my example. Year after year they stretch their heads from the earth as soon as the snow is gone. They don't worry and they don't hesitate before appearing each spring. They thrive in the magic of the new beginnings, like a quote from Meister Eckhart says: "And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."
I think we should let this inspire us and in order to feel supported in this time of beginnings, I want to share some spring rituals with you to welcome the new season and the new cycle of life.
spring cleaning
This ritual can be taken literally, but also figuratively. The beginning of spring is perfectly suited for tidying up, decluttering and for cleaning your physical, but also energetic spaces. Perhaps you can feel the need inside of you to air out your home and to get rid of the dust of winter. Open the windows, organize your wardrobe, change the bed sheets, dust off all shelves, clean the kitchen. There are no limitation as how to spring clean as long as you fill your chores with intention. Additionally the smudging of your rooms after you cleaned them might help to initiate a new beginning. I like to use dried sage, because of its clearing powers, but feel free to use whatever herb speaks to you.
soul spring cleaning
Spring cleaning can also be applied on a soul, emotional or mental level. It's a good moment to reflect on winter and to take stock of the year so far for a first time. Set aside enough undisturbed time and arrange your space according to the ritual and your needs. Maybe you decorate your altar with flowers and other natural materials, maybe you light a candle. The following journaling prompts might help you to tune in to the energy of this season. I invite you to write down your thoughts and insights.
Reflect on winter. What happened? What were the highlights? What challenges did you face? Winter was mostly affected by... This winter taught me... I am grateful for/that...
What is awakening in me right now?
This spring I invite... into my life, because...
Which seeds do I plant now that I want to harvest this fall?
What is allowed to grow and expand this spring?
planting seeds
After the soil has rested during winter, the time has come to plant the first seeds. Perhaps you have a garden, perhaps it's just a few pots. It doesn't matter. Imagine what you would like to harvest in fall. Which seeds do you have to sow right now?
Create a garden plan and as soon as you're ready to plant the first seeds, do it consciously and with intention. You might want to hold the seeds in your hands first and close your eyes for a moment to send them some empowering thoughts. While sowing and planting consider the seeds that you want to grow in your own life so that you can hopefully harvest them during fall.
a spring walk
Go outside to find nature, whether that's on a walk in the park, along the fields and meadows or in the forest. Focus intentionally on everything that contains a sign of spring. Although spring has officially begun, there might still be snow or the days might be cold and gray. Nonetheless the new cycle is noticeable. Do you find the messengers of this season? Take your time to walk slowly, to stop at the little signs of spring and to rejoice in them. You might hear a bird that has returned from his journey to the south sing or you might see the first crocus of the year or maybe simply the first spot of grass emerging under the blanket of snow. Feel the sun that is growing stronger with each day and honor those gifts that nature brings us every year without us having to do anything.
wild garlic pesto
I like to herald the new season with a delicious recipe. It's a tradition of mine to forage wild garlic (allium ursinum) in spring. It's such a powerful, detoxing plant with many vitamins and minerals. Here's my recipe for a wild garlic pesto:
You need:
70 g fresh wild garlic leaves*
grated peel of half a lemon
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
30 g cashew nuts
1 tbsp nutritional yeast or grated parmesan cheese
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
pepper
Mix all the ingredients using a blender until you get a creamy purée. This pesto goes perfectly with pasta or can be added to a garlic bread.
*You can find wild garlic in deciduous forests in great parts of Europe and Asia. If you forage it yourself, be sure to inform yourself of similar plants that are inedible and the contraindications and wash it thoroughly. Please harvest responsibly without endangering the plant, namely: only take as much as you really need and never harvest the whole plant.
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