Nature- Our Greatest Teacher

No matter your tradition, practice or interpretation, we are all affected by the simple yet significant shift in the sun's light. The spring and fall equinoxes along with the summer and winter solstices, mark the change in the cycle of light on our earth.

The spring equinox represents our movement through the darkness towards light. In the winter the earth holds the awakening energy of life (the seed), and in the spring, this life-force arises from its dark incubation into the light. The natural cycles of night and day, growth and rest, creation and destruction, balance the internal and external journeys of our lives. Think of the power and implications of these subtle shifts in nature and then take a moment to reflect on what that may mean for all of us who are also a part of nature .

Nature exquisitely teaches us that darkness balances light. By accepting this balance we neutralize our fear of the dark, and discover its profound gifts. For it is only through our struggles and grief that we find humility; through trauma we discover grace and healing; and through our depression and anxiety we unearth our illusions and reunite with our innocence, strength and awe.

The balance we seek is within ourselves, in the deep love and gratitude we shine on our wounds and imperfections. Day and night are in balance now and from this equality - new life emerges. Now it is time to bring the dark into the light and the light into the dark. The integration of these opposites holds wondrous potential for us as individuals and as co creators on an interdependent planet.

You may ask what this has to do with my work - breathwork, yoga/ayurveda, energy medicine, psychology? Truthfully, it has everything to with it. My works in both subtle and not so subtle ways, aim to awaken you to Nature within you. By opening the channels of your breath, moving your body, harmonising the flow of life force within, inviting self-care and the body's innate capacity to self-heal - you are awakening to the ecology of your entire being. 

And just as an acorn knows it is destined to be an oak tree, your spirit also knows the reality of who you are beyond the self-imposed limitations of the ego and wounded self. Our mind is a wonderful tool, but it is not the driver of this body-vehicle. By honouring the rhythms of nature, we rouse the wisdom of our heart and spirit to guide us and this is where miracles happen.

This month offers a potent day that is wonderful to connect to Nature, March 20th - the Spring Equinox and first day of Spring.

March 20th- Spring Equinox 
On this day the northern hemisphere begins its tilt towards the Sun; then, come the spring equinox the big, bright star will bisect the equator and shine down on the North and South poles in the same amount.

Ways to honour Spring Equinox:

• Gather in circle with women around a fire, to share stories, laughter, dance and music. I am holding a gathering at my studio, where we will go to the Rhein for a little ritual, share a potluck and exchange clothing that will be reborn as something new for one of our Sisters. See event on Facebook and my event calendar

• Gather with friends and family outdoors- make a picnic!

• I was watching 2 little girls last weekend at St Johann Park run a kite from a small rise (to them a mountain, I am sure). The laughter, tumbling and excitement as they did this was beautiful. Try it! Laugh and enjoy the sun and wind!

• Dress your dinner table with cedar branches and a pot of spring flowers (eg. daffodils, crocuses); white and yellow candles, and spring foods which might include asparagus, spinach, green onions, and such...