Spring Equinox is right around the corner, happening this Saturday, March 20th! Spring is finally on it’s way! What does this mean for us exactly? This marks the official first day of Spring. This also marks when the sun crosses the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which tilts more towards the sun. The effects of this are increased daylight hours and more sun, whoo! The opposite happens in the Southern Hemisphere (sorry Australia).

Spring is a time where we begin to see more growth. The snow melts away, the clouds depart, and the sun shines it’s wonderful brilliant rays that may lighten our moods and put more spring into our step! Here is where all of what we have cultivated and learned during the winter season comes to fruition. Coincidentally, the astrological sign Aries comes into play during the later part of this month. This is the first of the twelve astrological signs. Aries are very independent and like to lead and take charge. They are passionate, fiery leaders! What does this mean for us? Even if you do not identify with astrology or the Aries sign; this is still a time to put your projects and ideas into action! Take that leap of faith! Publish that piece of art you’ve been afraid to do! Run that half marathon! Apply to that school, change your habits, take the lead at work. Whatever it is that you have been wanting to do or having been putting off, now is the time to do it! Even if you experience doubt, fear, roadblocks, etc. If it is meant for you, it will be. This does not mean to push yourself as hard as you can, stress yourself out to the max, forget about obligations like friends and family. It is always important to find a balance and listen to your intuition which resides in your body; specifically your heart and third eye center. Meditation, journaling, and speaking your ideas out loud may help to guide you. It is also important to remember that at different times in our lives we may put more energy into one aspect of ourselves such as our career. At another point we may focus our energy on cultivating our relationships. We are always changing and learning based on our experiences and our environment. This idea we can remember from nature. This takes me to my next point!

Nature is inherently intelligent. We are a part of nature and thus are nature as well. However, recently humans in the modern world have gotten it into our minds and paradigms that nature is less than us. Something that can be manipulated. This is why I feel forests are being destroyed, species eradicated from the planet, water polluted. Its as though we think we are at the top of the pyramid of species in this universe. But this is only one limited perception in a vast space of many. Nature has immense wisdom. Everyday she reminds us how our lives should be lived. In harmony and synchronicity with everything. Taking what you need and giving what is needed. I live by the concept that we are all connected and that what I do, think, and feel, affects something else as well as everything simultaneously affects me. We can draw on indigenous wisdom and look at their connection to the natural world. Some indigenous groups strive to live in harmony with other beings, spend time in nature to commune with her as well as learn from her, and most importantly respect her.

Unfortunately, some of us have lost our connection to nature. We are surrounded by concrete walls and processed food. Our lives are artificial and this has a deep affect on our psyches. Substance abuse is at a high, addictions to shopping, eating, porn, etc. exist as ways to fill up the void within ourselves. We are lost; we are severed from ourselves and from where we came from. These a symptoms of our culture. Getting back to nature can help us become more attuned to what we may be missing. Just think how you feel after a walk in the park, a hike, or swimming in the ocean or lake! Most times I would say you feel better. This is my experience anyway.

When you go out into nature you can see the beauty within each ecosystem, the poetic way everything lives together; intertwined and sharing an experience of oneness. Mother Earth is always working to restore balance, to restore life. Where there is destruction, we see her grow once more. Living systems work together, feeding and expanding off of one another to live harmoniously. Nature knows exactly who she is and what she needs to do, she is not lost. She is exactly where she needs to be. She is inside all of us, we are nature! Upon domestication, some of us have forgotten this. We try to be as civilized as we can, as clean and proper as we can be. Ask yourself, are you really happier this way? You do not have to answer right away. Take some time to reflect, perhaps take a walk in the woods!

The natural world can be our cure if we let her be, if we listen to her. We can honor her everyday, honor her cycles as well as the moon cycles. We can look to her for guidance and for the truth of who we are. If you want, take some time this week to mull over your relationship to the natural world. When was the last time you got outside? When was the last time you noticed her, such as the tree outside your window? Try to get outside if you can, or spend some time with plants, rocks, animals, etc. Whatever is calling to you.

As always, feel free to message, comment, share, like, subscribe, etc. Thanks again for reading!

Also, the art I am using is by artist Marissa Arterberry titled After Sunrise.

Love,

Rylee