The transformational power of spring
By Amy Dean
Springtime in New England represents a time of hope and possibilities, but this transformational experience need not be limited solely to nature. Massachusetts poet Emily Dickinson once observed, “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” No matter what your age, spring can be a time in which you draw upon the season’s transformational power to renew yourself. Doing so will help you feel younger, restore your energy and bring about a positive outlook on life – no matter what your age. Use the following three-step approach to undertake your own personal spring transformation.
Mental renewal
As you live each day, going through your daily rituals and routines, how often do you seek discovery? When you were a child, you approached the world with childlike wonder. You questioned everything and wanted to know how things worked or why things existed. When you begin to live life as an explorer, you have endless opportunities for discovery. Strive to learn something new every day, and you will keep your mind refreshed and renewed.
Physical renewal
A long, hard winter can turn even the most active person into a couch potato. Spring is a time to recommit to your health and wellness. Pleasant weather presents numerous opportunities to be outside, invigorating your lungs with fresh air and enhancing the vitamin D in your body from the sunshine. Engage in your favorite activities, such as gardening, biking, walking or running. Let go of your cravings for winter comfort foods and include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Schedule medical appointments you may have put off. Resolve to take better care of yourself, and you will feel younger every day.
Spiritual renewal
Just as you would engage in spring cleaning your home, so too can you “spring clean” your spirit. This two-step process involves letting go of negative energy as you create a positive vision for your future. On a piece of paper, write down something you would like to let go of, such as a mistake you have made or a person you would like to forgive. Think about how this weighs you down. On another piece of paper, write down a hope or dream. Place each paper side by side and think about the words you have written. Close your eyes. See yourself letting go of the negative energy. Feel how good it is to not have it in your life anymore. Then, think about your hope or dream. Feel the energy that would result from realizing your dream. Resolve to make each desire, both positive and negative, come true.
By engaging in mental, physical and spiritual renewal this spring, you have the opportunity to transform your life into something more vital and meaningful that can last a lifetime.
Amy Dean lives in Central Massachusetts and is the author of several books, including Growing Older, Growing Better: Daily Meditations for Celebrating Aging. Learn more about her at amydeanwriter.com.