| Spirit |
I love the uniqueness of each season. Noticing the rhythm and changes of the seasons throughout each year provides an opportunity to strengthen a connection to the present moment.
Making a habit of being in the present moment can have many benefits from reducing anxiety and stress, to improving your relationships and focus, and even helping you find joy and appreciation in the simple happenings of life.
As the season of spring has begun, taking time to slow down and notice all the simple pleasures spring offers is a great way to fill your spirit with joy and bring you into the space of what’s occurring in your life now. The following are five ideas to connected with the present moment in springtime.
1. Listen to Birds Singing
~ I love birds and hearing them chirping brings me joy any time of the year. But, as they are particularly vocal during this time of the year, spring offers many opportunities to pause, stop what you’re doing or thinking about and just listen to the birds singing. I always feel myself relaxing with a sense of peace when I do this. ~
2. Plant a Garden
~ Spring is the perfect time to garden. The weather is usually pleasant, the birds are singing, and seeds and plants are ready to grow. Getting outside and tending to a garden is a great way to live in the moment. There are many options to choose from. You can go all out and create a large vegetable garden or simply grow a few herbs in pots. Maybe add some fruit trees to your space or a garden full of flowering plants that continue to bloom after cutting for vases in your home such as black-eyed Susans, cosmoses, dahlias, snapdragons, and zinnias. A few other ideas are a pollinator garden, a rose garden, or a wildflower meadow. ~
3. Put Out a Hummingbird Feeder
~ Hummingbirds are beginning to reappear in many places. Putting out a feeder for them will attract them to your space and give you many opportunities to enjoy their presence. Here is a link to a previous post about hummingbirds if you’ve never put a hummingbird feeder out and you’d like to learn more… https://lifeinelements.com/the-joy-of-hummingbirds/ ~
4. Go on a Hike
~ A great way to connect with the present moment is to engage your senses on a hike. Look around and see what spring brings. Stop and gaze at flowers beginning to bloom on tree branches or wildflowers in fields. Listen to the sounds of animals around you. Take a deep breath and smell the fresh air and mabye you’ll even catch the sent of some fragrant flowers in bloom. If you pass a stream, take your shoes off and feel the cool water on your feet and listen to the water flowing by. Bring some seasonal snacks such as strawberries and really taste the food as you enjoy them. If you’re not sure where to hike try All Trails to find trails near you at https://www.alltrails.com. ~
5. Go on a Picnic
~ A picnic is another fun way to leave past and future thoughts and embrace the present moment by getting out in nature, relaxing, and enjoying some delicious food, and spring is a great time for one with its pleasant weather. Use all your senses to take in your surroundings and savor your meal. Here is an article with spring recipe ideas you may want to make and pack for your picnic… https://camillestyles.com/food/spring-eqiunox-menu-ideas/ ~
However you choose to connect with the season of spring, I hope it’s filled with joy, fun, and presence. I’d love to hear any other ideas you have to enjoy springtime below.