Today is the first day of spring and thus, the day of the vernal equinox, an astronomical event in which the Earth’s equator passes through the Sun’s ‘equator’ making both day and night (pretty much) equal in length.
In the circular patterns of the seasons, today symbolizes the rebirth of nature in the Northern Hemisphere, representing the arrival of new life and the end of winter.
It marks the first quarter of the year and acts as a reminder to check in to see where you are, how you’re feeling and where you’re going. The best way to do that is through some ritualistic practices. There are many ways to ground and grow today, and all the days to come, all of which will water the seeds of change allowing new growth to sprout. I’ve put together a few of my favourite ways, paired with tea, practiced from childhood on:
Start your day with a light and fragrant Jasmine Green Tea and ease into it slowly. While you make your way through your morning routine, begin to reflect on yourself (and the world). This is one of the two days within the year when night and day are equal, so focus on your own personal balance and changes or growths you’d like to make to aid in creating further balance in your life. Journaling your goals for the year will help you to connect with where you are and where you’d like to go. It’s a great way to embrace a season’s change by checking in and connecting to yourself to encourage personal growth.
Pair this rich energizing Emperor’s Pu-erh Tea with a meal made using foods seasonally sourced from your local environment, and make enough to donate to those who might otherwise not have such a hearty meal available. Spring is a sign of abundance to come and it is important to share that abundance with others in any way you can. Eating in season helps you to reconnect with, and be grateful for, the gradual and rewarding process Spring’s blooming and budding brings, helping you to feel at one with nature amidst the craziness life brings.
Pack a thermos of Rooibos Chai and get outside for a walk, picnic or wander today to explore. The smallest details of seasonal change can bring you great joy and noticing the beauty in the simplicity of your surroundings (even in a city) will help you to feel more connected and appreciative of the place you call home. Be sure to leave your smart phone at home (or in the pocket) so you can stay in the present, without distraction, and enjoy the magic of the day.
New seasons are the perfect time to reset and refresh everything around you. Reducing clutter and cleansing spaces can create balance. Make a big pot of refreshing and soothing Moroccan Mint Tea and survey your stuff as you begin tidying up your home, reducing clutter, organizing your objects and donating ‘stuff’ you don’t need. Once you’ve tidied up, put about 13 lemons mixed with water in a big bucket which you can use to wash all the walls, door knobs, taps, floors and surfaces. Once each room is refreshed, light some sage, incense, or palo santo and walk through each room making blessings in each one. This will help create balance in your home and offer new opportunities and hopes for your space.
Check what bulbs and seeds are ready to be planted in your local environment, if planting outdoors, and find out what plants will best survive indoors if that’s where your new blooming buddies might live. Check out this diagram which helps you choose your indoor plants based on access to light. Then make yourself some Mate Lemon tea to give you gardening energy and start filling up your home or garden with seeds to begin cultivating new life. This will put your home and / or garden in rhythm with nature while purifying the air, your health and sharpening your focus as well.
