Spring is a time associated with rejuvenation, rebirth and the thawing of winter’s chills. In indigenous cultures around the globe, the arrival of spring is commonly celebrated with symbols of birth; in the United States, this can be seen through the unending sea of advertisements featuring eggs and rabbits, creatures revered for their fertility. Additionally, at least in the U.S., spring is accompanied by the call for a thorough cleaning of one’s home and life, a tradition conversationally typically referred to as “spring cleaning.”
Yet, in order for us to fully unpack and utilize the energies of spring, we must reflect on the trials of winter. With winter comes the slowing-down of life, as nature declines and enters into a lull reminiscent of death. Although winter is often received with bitterness, it is necessary to our evolution: winter welcomes us into death, exposing the areas of our lives that need to wilt and fall away in order for growth to continue. Thus, when spring arrives, we have the clarity to discern that which needs to be sown into, and that which needs to be let go.
For The College of Wooster community, this past year has brought equal amounts despair and sweetness, joy and grief. While some of us are riding the highs of burgeoning opportunities and successes, others of us are desperately fighting off the encroachments of disappointment and sorrow. Both places are okay and valid and where we need to be.
Personally, this year has been deeply transformative and challenging as I tended to traumas both personal and communal, and some reaching as far back as the hulls of Atlantic cargo ships. Yet, here I am: existing as presently and tenaciously as the great white oak tree alongside Gault Schoolhouse. What winter demanded of me, it returned ten-fold in the form of mantras and rituals to maintain my wellness. It is my hope that the words and practices listed below will empower you to clear the brush, to do so healthily and seed something glorious in its stead this spring.
1. Grounding Practice
Grounding is a practice used to “ground” scattered, “anxious” energy into the earth and bring alignment and stillness to the mind. This can be done anywhere, but is amplified by the outdoors and nature.Recite the mantra aloud or silently as you breathe deeply and envision yourself rooted in solid ground. This can be done anywhere, but is amplified by the outdoors/nature.
won’t you do this with me?
plant your feet to the ground. Breathe
deeply. feel the love tethering us to this earth.
2. Bottling Paradise
Take some time out of your day to meditate on Paradise. What is Paradise to you? What sounds are present? Which colors are abundant? Do you eat supper alone or with someone? Where? These are sample questions to help you dig further, but let your imagination loose and really envision what does a day in Paradise look like for you. What feelings are evoked? Hold on to them.
Whatever sounds, foods, colors, etc. were present for you in your Paradise, bring take them into your current reality. For example, if your Paradise is filled with bright yellows or neo-soul music, curate an outfit or playlist around that theme. Enjoy it on the days Paradise feels far out of reach.
3. Ritual for Nursing the Gold Beneath my Skin
During your morning (or evening) shower, imagine the water surrounding your body as waves of white light. Or imagine it as a salty ocean, or a cascading waterfall. Whatever feels cleansing for you.Sink deeply into its warmth. As the water streams down your shoulders and back, imagine the concerns and burdens of the day washing away and down the drain. Exhale as you release.
After the shower, towel dry (although air-drying is recommended) and stand near a source of natural or candlelight. As the light hits you, gently massage your butter and oils into your skin as you speak aloud what you’d like to attract for the day. Be sure to thank your body and remind it that it is loved in order to seal in the blessing. See below for an example.
I attract joy today.
I attract stillness.
I attract peace.
I am loved, I am lovely, I am whole (Repeat until golden).
Jahqwahn Watson a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at JWatson17@wooster.edu.