"An optimist is the human personification of spring."
– Susan J. Bissonette
Good morning and happy Wednesday! Tomorrow is the first day of spring here in the Northern Hemisphere, and I am SUPER EXCITED!! How about you?
I have a terrific article for you today that touches on the themes of both "change" and "spring cleaning," called "Rituals for Springtime Soul Cleansing," by author Barbara Biziou. Barbara is a longtime contributor of articles to SoulfulLiving.com, and her books include: "The Joys of Everyday Rituals" and "The Joy of Family Rituals."
I hope you enjoy her article! Wishing you a beautiful last day of winter! ♥
"Rituals for Springtime Soul Cleansing"
by Barbara Biziou
Spring is the time for each of us to usher in new growth and possibilities. It is a time to be more open to love and joy. In ancient times, the New Year started at the Spring Equinox. In fact, astrologically it still does.
Now is the time that we are able to renew our hopes, aspirations and dreams. Yet, we cannot do this if we are weighed down by old beliefs that create barriers for opportunities and fulfillment. Loving yourself and appreciating others is a key to achieving your goals in life. The Spring Equinox ushers in a time of new balance. The season invites you to become aware of whatever is out of balance in your life and to put in the corrections.
Take some time to contemplate the following:
- Could you change your diet so your body can safely eliminate toxins and regain its natural rhythms?
- How much of your time is spent working?
- How much of your time is spent worrying?
- How much of your time is spent with friends? Family?
- How much of your time is spent enjoying yourself?
- Are you getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night?
- When is the last time you took time for yourself?
- How can you grow in a healthy way and become more open, compassionate and accepting?
- Can you simplify your life?
When we expend too much energy analyzing, planning and attempting to control the course of our lives, then we need to readdress the balance by becoming more spontaneous. It is important to spend time just having fun. This will energize us and bring more creativity and joy into our lives.
If you are finding that you are exhausted and apathetic that usually means that energy is trapped in your heart. Look to where you are still holding on to old resentments and disappointments. Even if you have spent years working on these issues, deeper layers of the same issue can pop up over time. This does not mean that you haven’t done your work; it simply means that you are ready to release at a deeper level.
I am always surprised to find that people spend endless hours cleaning the physical (home, body, clothes) but rarely spend the time to purify themselves spiritually.
Would you think of showing up at a special event in dirty clothes without taking a shower and washing your hair? Are you comfortable inviting people to a fancy dinner party at your house when your house is a mess? Probably not.
Safe and gentle purification will bring you countless benefits. I like to purify myself by taking baths in sea salt. Depending on my mood I will add the essential oils of rose (love), jasmine (sensuality) or lavender (relaxation. And occasionally I will add fresh flowers. Don’t forget to use your morning shower as a time to release all unwanted thoughts and feelings. As the water runs over you say, I now release all thoughts and feelings of limitation, anger and upset. Be as specific as you like. I release my anger against Susan, I release all fear about making this presentation today, I release all financial worries. When you have finished, imagine the negative energy going down the drain. Notice how much lighter you feel…
Continue Reading "Rituals for Springtime Soul Cleansing"
Copyright Barbara Biziou. All Rights Reserved.
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Wishing you a beautiful day!
Soulfully,
Valerie
