Tonight set your clocks forward one hour (i.e., losing one hour); marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time - Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m. This may feel like a small change, but this transition can have a significant impact on our plans and daily routines. Spring forward! Spring represents new beginnings, growth, and renewal. This year the spring equinox falls on March 20th, representing a time of heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of others, as well as an opportunity to release old patterns and emotional baggage and embrace new growth and transformation. We will be experiencing spiritual growth and an awakening.
For me, the past two years I've faced challenges and obstacles, but I've also experienced moments of growth, healing, and inspiration which I believe will spring further in this season. Through it all, I've learned to embrace the power of nature, art, movement, and purpose-driven work. This spring I am especially excited to move forward with plans, that have been on hold for the past few years mostly due to the global health crisis, which include establishing new daily routines, embarking on new art projects, and leaning into my healing journey (I will share more in a future blog post).
Here are some tips to make the transition this spring as easy as possible:
Get plenty of sunlight: Exposure to natural light can help regulate your circadian rhythm and make it easier to wake up in the morning. Try to spend some time outside each day, especially in the morning. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather to get outside and explore. Whether it's a hike in the woods or a walk around your neighborhood, fresh air and exercise can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
Keep moving: As the weather gets warmer, it's a great time to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. You can use the extra hour of daylight to get outside and connect with nature - walk, hike, bike ride, or take in the beauty of the world around you. Try a new exercise class or activity, like dance, smai tawi, or join a gym.
Be mindful of caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine can interfere with sleep, so try to limit your intake in the hours before bedtime. Similarly, while alcohol may make you feel drowsy, it can disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggy the next day.
Stick to a routine: Consistency is key when it comes to sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
Spring clean: Use the extra daylight to declutter and organize your home. A clean and organized space can help reduce stress and increase focus.
Express yourself through art: Spring is a season of creativity and inspiration. Take some time to explore your artistic side and create something new - sign up for my CREATE & PAINT spring series :) Use the extra hour of daylight to pursue a hobby or learn a new skill. Whether it's painting, cooking, dancing, or playing an instrument, engaging in a creative pursuit can be both fun and rewarding.
Connect with purpose-driven work: Consider ways to align your talents and passions with work that makes a positive impact in your community and on the world. Whether it's volunteering, starting a community project, or finding a job in a field you're passionate about, there are many ways to make a difference.
By embracing these tips and suggestions, you can make the most of the upcoming spring and continue on your own journey of embracing the opportunities for growth & renewal that lie ahead. Remember that it is a process, and it's important to be patient and compassionate with yourself along the way. And let's continue to support and inspire one another in community on our individual journeys of transformation.
Also, the spring equinox that we will welcome on March 20 is a time of balance, as the length of the day and the night are roughly equal. It is a time to plant seeds and watch them grow, and to celebrate the return of life and vitality as we move out of the darkness of winter and into the light of spring. For many cultures and traditions, the spring equinox holds deep symbolic meaning. It represents rebirth, renewal, and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is a time to honor the forces of nature and the interconnectedness of all things; and to set intentions and make plans for the future, to let go of old habits and patterns, and to embrace new opportunities and possibilities.
In conclusion, we are entering a new season of great significance and importance! The world around us is coming back to life after a period of darkness and dormancy; we gain an extra hour of daylight and move closer to the warmer months ahead. While daylight saving time may disrupt our schedules in the short term, it also marks new beginnings and provides us with the opportunity to:
reflect on our relationships and emotions
release old patterns, old habits, and emotional baggage - shed the old
reduce stress and increase focus
honor the forces of nature & the interconnectedness of all things - make way for the new
embrace new beginnings, and honor the cycle of life, death, and rebirth
embrace new levels of growth and transformation in our lives
embrace change, new opportunities and possibilities, and increase our productivity
celebrate the return of life and vitality
be intentional and make plans for the future
be consistent with your plans
be patient and compassionate with yourself
align your talents and passions with work that makes a positive impact on the world
We can set ourselves up for a successful spring season and more fulfilling seasons to follow. Spring Forward!
P.S. In addition to the time and season change, I also wanted to share some exciting news about upcoming art projects. I am currently working on my book about the art of self love, creative movement through the art of Haitian folklore dance, planning a summer art retreat, and starting up the CREATE & PAINT spring series inspired by the beauty of the changing seasons. I hope to share more details soon, so stay tuned!