Springtime Lessons from Nature & Yoga

“Spring” can mean a very quick movement that ceases nearly as soon as it’s begun. However, in the spring season, we see buds springing up for weeks, as various species bloom at different times. And throughout these moments of growth and greenery, nature has countless lessons from which we can learn if we choose to listen. Through mindfulness and meditation, we can appreciate our connectedness with nature, instead of feeling so apart from it.

         The first lesson that I’ll draw your attention to, is the similar cycle of dormancy and activity we share with the world around us. Often times people apologize for hibernating in winter – staying home cozy with a book or binge-watching Netflix instead of seeing friends or going to festivities. But the reality is, we need that down time just like when animals hibernate and plants go dormant. We are also missing the Sun and lacking Vitamin D, which provide us energy and boosts our mood. This time of year, as the Sun becomes stronger, we also start craving its warmth and come outside along with the plants starting to bloom.

         Gardening has thousands of lessons in itself. To share an example as it relates to yoga – gardening develops persistent effort and unattachment, which is also what the practice of yoga does. When deciding to garden, one must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly, and must also be okay with the result being different from what was expected (whether that’s due to draught, deer, or mistakes made while learning). Yoga philosophy also teaches to practice with persistent effort and unattachment to the result, which also further strengthens these mindsets.

         The last lesson I’ll point out is the beautiful symbiotic relationship between many species in the springtime. All the fruit and vegetables we’ll get to enjoy in the coming seasons, are thanks to the pollinators who dance from flower to flower. And hidden to our eyes, each flower has a unique colour pattern that guides the pollinators to their centre. Another bonus lesson for us: there’s more than one way to look at something.

So, before you try to spring into summer, take a moment to enjoy the gifts this season has to offer. Carve out a moment in the day to sit or walk outside with intention. By bringing yourself into the present moment to observe the world around you, you may notice some of these lessons yourself!