Sing! Can You Feel Spring Whispering?
It's February! Yesterday was Imbolc, the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Crossing the Imbolc threshold feels hopeful because it means Spring is right around the corner.
As someone who used to struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and still mostly dreads February, I am surprisingly less anxious for winter to be over than I am usually by this time of the year.
I attribute this newfound ease to "wintering" (being more introverted, cozy, and nourished) this Winter more than I ever have before in my adult life. I was able to stay home and keep things pretty simple from late November through mid-January, a time when in the past I often had too much going on, and ended up getting depleted.
Having this time to rest more and stay connected with the land where I live, I feel more in tune with the subtle shifts in the elements as we move into late Winter.
Through connecting with the elements, I feel the singing of what's true rising inside me as unbelievable shifts take place in our county/world on the daily. I look to nature... As the snow melts, the earth becomes more muddy and the?plant world?begins to awaken?in this late Winter urging itself toward early Spring. Everything is changing. New growth is full of possibilities.
Here is a poem that I found particularly inspiring lately. Maybe it resonates with you too?
Steadfast by Rosemerry Whatola Trommer
Though a cold
wind is howling,
we're not birds
without wings --
as long as we
have voices,
let us sing together
sing of freedom,
sing what's true,
let us sing.
What does this look like practically? We need to switch from balancing Vata Dosha (Air and Space) to balancing Kapha Dosha (Earth and Water). Don't become stagnant. Move your body vigorously each day, feed your body nourishing and cleansing foods, and encourage your mind with new thoughts and expansive learning of new skills. And, sing! Sing because the vibrational resonance of your voice is connective and healing. Sing because it brings peace to your cells and allows them to be more receptive to health.
If you listen hard enough, maybe you will hear songs from the retreat I will be leading in Costa Rica next week. We will be singing a lot in celebration of being together, connecting with the five elements, and supporting healing in whatever ways we can. HERE?is one of my favorite songs to sing right now. Find a couple friends and sing it together - it has three parts. Keep singing, ok?
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