Balance with The Spring Equinox

Most people’s nervous systems, an estimated 80% of the population, are like a Chevy or a Toyota. Reliable, tough, and can take a lot of wear and tear without much maintenance. My 13 year old Prius has shown me this. While a highly sensitive person’s nervous system, about 20% of the population, is more like a Ferrari or a Porsche. Incredibly precise, refined and responsive but needs meticulous maintenance and doesn’t do well with rough handling. Specific care is required for peak performance.

This is why it’s helpful to pay attention to nature’s rhythms. We feel it more. We respond better when aligned with it and suffer more when we aren’t. So as spring heralds in new beginnings, it can be helpful to consciously align with the energy it brings of evenness and rebirth. It’s not just another day. It’s an opportunity for something fresh and delicious so lean into it. 

Evenness

Equinox means equal day and equal night. Today is the perfect time to balance. What in your life can be evened out? What do you need more or less of to feel equilibrium?

Practice balance with even breathing. Sit tall, get comfortable and focus on the breath. Count the number of seconds you inhale and the number of seconds you exhale. Then, for the next several moments, without effort or strain, allow that number to be equal. Even in, even out. This does wonders for your nervous system. Pause for this even breathing throughout your days. 

Practice balance with balancing yoga postures. Tree pose, Eagle pose, Warrior III, Siva’s Dance, or simply standing near a counter for support and lifting a foot off the ground. Focus on your center. Breathe. Smile. Appreciate the process of coming into (and falling out of) balance.

Practice balance by watching the sunrise. This is the balance point of day and night, and is like the spring equinox of each day. My bedroom window faces east so I get to watch the sun light up the edges of the sky from underneath my cozy covers. 

New Beginnings

Start something new. A new project, a new journal, a new habit. Keep it simple and do it with intention. Clean out the old and welcome in the new in the mind, the home, the life. 

It’s turbulent times. All the more reason to cultivate an inner world. The spring equinox is a supportive time to begin, or refresh, a personal practice of meditation. This can take many forms. It can be a formal practice of sitting in front of your altar for 5 to 15 minutes each morning. Or it can be a contemplative walk in nature, or immersing yourself in a familiar craft such as knitting or baking. Simply hold the intention to be present. Notice when the mind wanders and gently guide it back to your chosen point of focus - your breath, your footfalls, the warm dough. 

This is an effective action in the world to cultivate an inner radiance, peace and calm. And, significantly more soothing to the nervous system than shaking fists and becoming outraged, although, yes, we can do that too. With a clear and steady mind, we’re guided to right action. That action will be more effective and less draining.

During this time of renewal, listen carefully to your heart. What wants to emerge? Creative acts of any kind are in themselves a rebellion. Shaking what has been and bringing forth something new.

What wants to bloom in your life at this spring equinox? 

Journal, dance, revel in all that’s being born in nature. 

Stay close to your heart. 

Give yourself silence and solitude. 

Gently nurture the tender seedlings of what’s next. 

I see you. I’m deeply grateful for you. Happy Spring Equinox.