Stepping out of my cocoon
Spring feels like a time for stepping out of my comfort zone.
I’ve wintered fully. Gotten myself cozy, comfortable, and rested. I enjoyed winter activities paired with relaxing downtime.
Now’s the time where I feel I need to “force” myself a bit to change it up. After all, Spring is well on its way, despite the forecasted Minnesota spring snow this week.
Spring is a time for renewal. To assess the dreams I’ve planted in the fall and winter, and allow those dreams to begin to sprout out of carefully tended earth.
I’ve dreamt, worked on, and dreamt some more. Now it’s time to take care of myself and allow these things to flourish. Appreciate the seeds I’ve planted and watch them grow with awe and appreciation.
My self-care changes this time of year. I start running outside in late winter. I’m training for Grandma’s Half Marathon in June once again. I keep my yoga practice consistent and soft, paired with the intensity of running.
I’m not naturally a “high energy” and intense person. I most frequently feel called to relax and lounge honestly. I love sleeping. Those who know me, know this well. So to psych myself up for quite the opposite takes a lot, honestly. But I’ve learned this is good for me, and important too. It’s really good for the health of my body and my brain.
The high energy of running outdoors allows me to embrace endorphins and adrenaline, as well as mindfully appreciate the subtle changes of the season. I start to hear the migrating birds, notice the different textures underfoot, and appreciate the snow, lack of snow, and snow again, in the trees. The streams start to trickle. The smell of Spring is in the air. The woods begin to come alive again.
I get outside no matter the weather. This is my favorite part of the “spring-winter” training. In fact, I find myself saying annoying things like, “wow, it rained on me during my run and it was actually really nice!”
What is your renewal ritual this time of year? What ideas and dreams did you plant in the fall/winter that you are now allowing space to flourish?
Our Fall retreat opens for registration April 12 at 8am!
