Transformative Nutrition Practice of the Month
March: Spring Cleaning
For many, the month of March marks the transition from winter to spring. During this time of year we find ourselves emerging from the energy of winter, a time of storage, energy conservation, inward reflection, restoration and hibernation into the fresh experience of spring, a time of rebirth, growth, generation and creativity. Many are drawn and inspired during this time of year to engage in what is commonly referred to as spring cleaning or a spring cleanse. This cleanse allows the opportunity, on multiple levels, to slough off the accumulations of winter, clearing a path for spring's newness to emerge unencumbered by the build up and residue of wintertime.
Spring cleaning can take many forms effecting the body, mind and spirit. If you are feeling the urge to move out of winter and make way for the fresh energy of spring in your life, the following suggestions may help you in doing so.
Cleaning Out Your Closet, Literally: Getting rid of clothing that you no longer wear is one way to clean for spring. In the process of losing or gaining weight, many people have issues around their old clothes. We may hold onto our "fat" clothing, "just in case", a sign that we don't fully believe in ourselves. Or we hold onto our "skinny" clothes while failing to update our wardrobe with beautiful, comfy clothing that fits our current bodies, a sign of not fully accepting ourselves as we are in this body, at this moment. This month, update your clothes closet, clear out the old and bring in the new.
Cleaning House: In the Jewish tradition a major house cleaning is honored during the spring in preparation for the Passover holiday, in an effort to clear out all leavened products from the home. Leavening has been likened to the energy of the ego that rises in its "rightness", taking up space at the expense of others. Cleaning our physical homes can be a practical meditation on clearing out our minds and hearts, dropping our ego defensiveness and allowing for fresh perspectives to arise.
Fasting: Some traditions recognize the value of observing a fast during this time of year. You may be curious to try something as extreme as a liquid or juice fast or something more subtle, such as a return to eating whole foods, more fruits and vegetables, while eliminating dairy and meat, processed and refined foods and sweeteners for a limited period of time. Fasting may help eliminate cravings and other conditions related to winter eating and weight gain. Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford is an informative resource on this topic. We suggest researching this option further if it appeals to you until you find the support and information you need to fast safely.
Clearing Out Your Mind: For this practice we suggest setting yourself up with a private space in which you can play music loudly and let yourself dance wildly, shake your body, shout, yell, release and shake loose the pent up energy being held on to in your body. Give yourself at least 5 minutes. Once you've finished, transition into a writing or drawing exercise where you let yourself pour out onto paper any thoughts or feelings that come up, giving yourself the opportunity to clear out the old and declare a new vision for yourself in the space you've created through your release.
Happy Spring Cleanse!
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