Nature's Calendar

"Let us love winter,
for it is the spring of genius."
~Pietro Aretino

          Ah, Spring, that transition period between winter and summer, the season of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The birth of new ideas, inspiration, and creativity restored by the longer sun-filled days. Will it ever arrive?
We seem caught between winter and spring, as the weather switches back and forth between cold days and warmers days, the symptoms of both Spring Fever and Cabin Fever abound! 

         It is good to know that the seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, like the tides, have an affect on our body's energy flow. And what we eat has a powerful effect on our ability to find balance not only in each season, but especially during the transition from one to another! 

 from http://strengtheninghealthinstitute.blogspot.com/
         "To be healthy we need to follow nature’s calendar and begin to change when she does. In the winter, we tend to eat more well cooked and warming dishes, things that will keep us warm and energized. Generally it is not a good idea to overdo it on ice cream and other foods that make us feel more sensitive to the cold. We still need lightly cooked vegetable dishes and raw salads that are mildly cooling to keep us fresh throughout the winter.

          Starting in early to mid February, it is time to very gradually lessen these well cooked and warming foods and re-introduce foods that are light, refreshing and cooling. This way our body gradually adjusts to the coming of spring and follows nature’s pattern. Add more lightly cooked vegetable dishes, raw salads, vegetable dishes and enjoy some oranges and tangerines. "

         Transitions are helped by a practice of mindfulness. As we move out of Winter, the season of retreat and rest, and into Spring, the season of new growth, rebirth and action, it is important that we find ways to reduce the stressors that keep us from feeling our best. 

"No matter how long the winter,
spring is sure to follow."
~Proverb