Spring is a nicer time to make resolutions versus New Years, since it really is a fresh, new start.
“Never cut a tree down in wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decision when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” – Robert Schuller
Some of us are still in the process of unearthing ourselves from a weather-imposed hibernation. Digging out takes a while. I think we expect it to happen all at once, however, we all know logically this is not the case. There is a word in Sanskrit, which is samscara, a deep groove in our unconscious or even conscious behavior. The longer we do it, the deeper the trench. Eventually, the groove is so deep that we can’t see out of it on either side so we just keep plowing forward. Here are a few tips to dig ourselves out of our own samscaras.
4 tips from Dr. Kanwal to help you transition into spring, powHERfully:
- Make use of fresh produce: The long dark winter days are giving way to warmer weather and more sunlight. Local produce will soon be readily available shortly. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide a powHERful nutritional bang for your cells.
- Tackle some spring cleaning: Along with the new leaves and the return of sunshine, I also see the need increasing for personal spring cleaning, whether it be emotional, mental or physical. This craving makes it easier to dig into our closets clearing out the clothes not touched in the past six months, get to the gym for a good workout, or strengthen ourselves mentally in anticipation of what is yet to come this year – positive anticipation.
- Try an infrared sauna: Infrared saunas are also a great way to transition into spring as they detoxify the body and build your immune system. The heat brings blood to the surface of the skin liberating toxins, lactic acid and ammonia (all things that make muscles sore). Infrared heat also brings fresh oxygenated blood to the tissues thus having a flushing or a cleansing effect on your body. After the sauna, it is critical to get into a cold shower. Remember, heat causes dilation of the vessels and cold causes constriction. After you have dilated (opened) the vessels, you now must close them (constriction). You will feel more alive and have a heightened sense of awareness in all of your senses.
- Get outside! Plan to get outside and discover new hidden gems in your own city. Throughout Canada, there are bike paths, parks, waterfront boardwalks and beaches just waiting to be discovered. It is amazing how even just one day outside will reduce your stress levels.
My hope is that with every action we take, no matter how small, we are taking steps to beautify, simplify, and enjoy our lives one day at a time. Sometimes when we cannot go outside, bring the outside in. My daughter Nyah and I recently went to the Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh vegetables for dinner. It was a typical Vancouver spring day – cold, wet and raining. As much as I tried otherwise, for some reason I was a little grumpy. As we walked, Nyah pointed out some beautiful lilies. There is nothing like the smell of lilies. Clearly, my daughter sensed that I needed a reminder of the beauty of the gray day so we bought the lilies, brought those beauties home, and they filled our small home with their amazing aroma, reminding me to take some deep breaths and delight in the present moment. Enjoy the beauty of your day… one moment at a time.
