Spring

Here we are at the last leg of winter! Time to start preparing for spring. Spring is the season of new life, freshness, joy and - cleaning up!

We may start cleaning out our houses and throwing away things that are not needed. This is beneficial not only to the house, but to the mind as well. It reminds us to let go of unnecessary thoughts and move into more positive and clear thinking.


We should do spring cleaning internally for the body and mind as well. This can be done by minor adjustments in diet. As I mentioned earlier, spring is the season for cleaning up. In terms of diet this means we want to start eating foods that help our body release toxins that have built up over the hibernating months of winter. We also want to make sure we eat foods that promote vitality and freshness. This means foods that are antioxidizing and immune enhancing.


We should slowly start to reduce complex carbohydrates, fats and white sugar. This will help us feel lighter and will decongest the body channels so that we do not get colds and flus when the weather starts to change.


We should start eating more steamed and spicy vegetables rather than oily or creamy foods.
In the place of bread we may choose flat breads to reduce stickiness and congestion in the body.In the place of red meat we may choose stewed chicken.


We can also start to eat some steamed fruits with ginger and clove to really improve digestion, elimination and to reduce toxins in the body.


The right dairy choices for spring include fresh home made yoghurt or yogurt that includes bacterial culture. This helps to improve the health of the intestines by promoting a healthy balance of good bacteria in the intestines and helps to reduce yeast in the body. Hard cheeses should be avoided as they are hard to digest. Milk should be boiled and ginger, clove , cardamom and nutmeg can be added to it along with a little honey. The heating of milk helps to break down lactic acid which in turn makes the milk easier to digest and the spices help to improve digestion and reduce cellular toxicity. Honey is full of enzymes that help to boos to the immune system and help to reduce congestion.


Fats should be reduced almost completely. Rather than eating oily foods choose good fats from nuts. Eating seven almonds with a few raisins each morning is a very healthy habit. Almonds feed the brain, skin and nervous system and are rich in omega fatty acids. The sugar and acids in the resins help make the protein in the nuts easier for the body to digest.


Regular exercise is also a very important part of spring. Exercise helps the metabolism stay higher and helps flush toxins from the body. You may have noticed that the people who run everyday do not seem to get sick as often. This is because their bodies are release toxins far more quickly than the bodies of couch potatoes due to raised metabolism.

Spring is also a an important to do mental and emotional cleansing.

Keeping a gratitude journal - writing down five good things that happened to you at the end of each day is one way to train your mind to be optimistic.


Cleansing Meditation

Sit on the floor with the legs crossed.
Face the rising or setting sun
Close the eyes and allow the light of the sun to flow into the mind. ( this is very cleansing for the mind and also helps to strengthen the eyes)

Inhale and bring the light into the mind.
Exhale and chant out loud the sound HAAAAAAA ( this helps to release tension and sorrow from the heart)
Repeat this three or five times.

Lie on the back.
Allow the mind to be calm.
Ignore all thoughts that come into the mind.
Only focus on the mind being clear.
Visualize all of the people you love.
Visualize all of the good things that you have ha din your life.
Thank god for these blessing.

Ask that you always see the good things in all situation.
Slowly roll onto your side and relax a few moments before sitting up.

Stand, inhale and join the hands above your head. Stretch up as high as possible and feel alive in every cell of your body.

Exhale and bring the hands in front of the chest in. Take a moment to fill the heart with gratitude and joy.
Enjoy the rest of the day!

Each season has its own special charm and significance.
Spring is associated with new life and joy. Take advantage of the energy of this season to bring renewal, joy, health and vibrancy to your life!!!