Spring (Mental) Clearing Exercise
This Saturday brings us to a new season-- the season of spring.
Spring is full of sunnier days, bringing our bodies the goodness of Vitamin D and with that increase in sunshine the flowers finally begin poking their heads up out of the dry, barren ground that has been covered by the snow and ice for far too long. Spring Break adventures await us, full of new experiences with the ones we hold dearest. Warmer weather provides us the opportunity to gather outside (which is always appreciated in these crazy COVID times).
Yes, these physical changes are noteworthy in and of themselves, but what is also important to recognize (and welcome, perhaps) are the internal changes and mindset shifts that the new season of spring can bring along with it.
What if we took the time to savor this change of season and notice its internal effects before simply moving on to the next day?
But let’s be real, this winter, in particular, was exceptionally difficult due to its dramatic differences from the ones prior. Holiday plans were likely shifted due to the pandemic, giving seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and mental illness, in general, even more space to interfere with our vulnerable selves. Gatherings were altogether cancelled, leaving us socially unfulfilled and feeling less connected to our communities.
Let’s take 10 minutes to do a quick yet intentional exercise regarding the seasonal change. Go ahead and open up a Word document on your computer (or a Note on your iPhone) and title it “Seasonal Shift.”
With all of this heaviness in mind, write down 3 things that you are ready to let go of-- things that have been weighing you down and that no longer serve you. Notice what these things feel like as each of them come to mind. Where have they been settling inside your body (ex: loneliness from so many cancelled social plans feeling heavy on your chest or the feeling of not doing “enough” with all of the down time you had, making the air in your lungs feel insufficient).
Envision letting each of these three things blow away in the winter wind. Give yourself permission to stop worrying them-- there is a reason you thought of each of these items. Notice how it feels to let them go. Do you feel lighter, stronger, more joyful?
Spring is full of newness and becoming, illustrated by the flowers beginning to bloom. Imagine the snow on your front lawn beginning to melt and give way to the beautiful vegetation that will grow there throughout the season.
Now write down 3 things that you are anticipating in the spring season-- things that you are excited about and looking forward to.
While it can be easy to discount the hardships of winter, try to remember that they had their purpose. Maybe the loneliness you felt was, in fact, urging you to connect with an old friend that brings you life.
Perhaps the feeling of not doing “enough” is a reminder that you need to pause and remember where you find your fulfillment. By looking at your hardships from another perspective, you may even be able to appreciate them-- even a little-- for these hardships have brought you to the new beginnings of spring.