Yes, I have looked at my calendar today and know that it’s not technically spring yet. But when it’s 60+ degrees for over a week and the bulbs and trees are blooming outside my window, it feels like spring! It’s always been my favorite season– all the flowers blossoming, the air smelling so sweet, the world “waking up” from a winter’s nap, that subtle change from a cold winter wind to the warm spring breeze. Spring is simply full of possibilities!

There are two main reasons I love springtime. The first has to do with rebirth, renewal, rejuvenation. Much of nature rests during winter. Trees go dormant, animals hibernate– all saving their energy up for the glorious spring when they burst forth with new growth and beauty. Just like nature, we also need a time to rest and replenish our energy tanks. Perhaps that means we spend more time in quiet contemplation or meditation, or maybe we simply cut back on our social lives just a little, or it could be that we focus more on self-care and nurturing our inner Selves. However you choose to rest and replenish, don’t neglect this important part of life’s cycle. A daffodil doesn’t rest for a week before blooming again– it takes months of energy storage. Give yourself time to rest.

The second thing I love about spring is cleaning! (I know, you’re saying WHAT?!) But hear me out. No, I don’t particularly enjoy scrubbing the house from top to bottom. What I *do* like is getting rid of old, unused, no longer needed stuff that seems to accumulate from year to year. It’s the clearing out of clutter, the making of new space for whatever comes into life this year. I know I can’t be the only one who’s had the experience of climbing onto the step ladder to dust the knickknacks on the top shelf of a bookcase (because you know the last time you dusted up there was last spring), and seeing the inch of dust that’s settled and wonder, “now *why* am I keeping this stuff anyway?” [Ahem, if you haven't read my previous blog post about "Outer Space" (or if you did and didn't do anything about it), this is where it ties in!] Spring cleaning is the chance to make room in your life, your house, your office, wherever– for whatever is going to come into life this year. Nothing new can come in without something old leaving. Make some room! Create some space! And then breathe in the fresh clean scent of possibility!

So, are you ready for spring?

Inner Space

The previous blog entry was about outer space– how you create and care for the environment around you in order to bring more peace and calm to your daily life experience. And you’ve made some positive changes to that space, right?  (If you haven’t, that’s your cue!)

Today’s post is about your inner space. And no, I don’t mean your heart, lungs, and kidneys or whether or not that breakfast bowl of oatmeal will really tide you over until lunch. I’m talking about your inner Self. Wait– what? You’ve never thought about it? Oh. Well. Hmm. Ok, let’s take a little stroll and chat a minute.

Your inner space is what some folks refer to as their conscience or their center. It’s where your true Being and Self reside, that place from which your authentic and genuine emotions originate. Now this is not to be confused with some of your daily, knee-jerk feelings (like getting angry at being cut off in traffic or betrayed when your co-worker takes credit for your brilliant idea with the boss)– no this is deeper stuff I’m talking about. This is the place where your sense of Self comes from, the place that answers the questions of “who am I” and “what’s my purpose”. It’s the place most of us don’t spend nearly enough time in, and that’s why I think it’s important to write this blog post.

So how do you get in touch with your inner space? Meditation is one excellent way. If you find that idea intimidating (and many do!), then simply spend some quiet time alone doing absolutely nothing except breathing and being calm. Perhaps play some soft instrumental music (slow tempo works best) that you enjoy to help you relax. And just be. Don’t use the time to go over your grocery list or the household chores that need to be done or the pile of work on your desk at the office. This is time for You. And honestly, all you need to start with is 5 minutes a day. (True confession: I often spend my 5 minutes of quiet time in the morning inhaling a fresh cup of coffee, just breathing it in– ahh!)  If you really can’t get into the idea of sitting quietly doing nothing but breathing, then try journaling.  Just write whatever comes to mind without censoring yourself.  If that’s not your cup of tea, try taking a short walk around the block.  Focus on the sensory experience of doing that– the sights, smells, colors, movements of nature.  Really pay attention.  If that doesn’t float your boat, then be creative and find some activity that you can engage in that provides you with a break, a time out from the daily grind.  The point is to redirect your focus inward for a short period of time, to shut out the outside world for just a few minutes.

So give it a try for a week. 5 minutes daily, that’s it. I think you’ll be surprised at what happens!