Congratulations on making it through the Winter.
Seriously, I mean it!
What a harrowing time it has been and you did it - you made it on the other side! Feel free to pause and step away to celebrate before continuing on with this section :)
The Equinox has come, the earth is warming, buds are beginning to unfurl, bulbs have burst through the frozen ground stretching their arms into the sky, and yet our world continues to be steeped in a deep freeze. The transition from Winter to Spring, is meant to be approached - as I’m sure you’re learning- slowly. I would suggest going even more slowly this year as we are in a collective transition and uncertainty that will require us to be mindful and anchored, continuing to use Winter’s medicine even as the seasons expand. Rather than focusing on external blooming we are being asked to tend to our internal gardens so they may bloom and set the stage for more profound, much needed transformation in our world and systems. Where do we begin with this internal blooming? We begin with TRUST - trust that you are blooming, especially since you have been following the medicine of Winter, and tending to the soils inside of your bodies these last few months with Staying Lit in the Dark (notice any judgements that came up about whether you did the course “right” or “enough” - YOU DID!).
More then anything, this season and year we are being asked to descend back into our bodies, to centre care and intimacy with our bodies in everything we do. Below, I have a simple ritual that utilizes the tools that Winter offers to help you move in to your Spring body, integrate the Winter and receive messages on what will help you to stay rooted and nurtured through the Spring and the great transition we are in. I hope you enjoy it. Many blessings
XO
Kirin
Spring retreat
I suggest taking a full day of retreat for yourself for this ritual, if that feels hard, try half a day. No social media during that time. If you can put your phone aside for the day that would be best. We are plugging out of the external voices and plugging deeply into our internal wisdom so it can be a channel for guidance from the earth, our ancestors and guides.
Pre-retreat Prayer:
Determine a day for you to do your retreat. Let this day come intuitively - it does not have to happen right away, I would suggest a time before mid-May. Trust your timing with it. A few days before your retreat day repeat the following prayer before bed or upon waking, whichever feels best for you. Share with your sit spot(s) as well. Notice what comes throughout your day or in your dreams as guidance for the ritual. It’s OK if you don’t receive anything concrete.
Earth of my body. Body of my earth.
I ask for support as I descend into my soils
Through. my body, let me know
The seeds I am being asked to sow,
to care for my vessel as the seasons grow
Pre-retreat reflection:
Did you know that tree blooms in early spring are the blooming of buds that were created the previous summer? The buds lay dormant all winter long and as the ground defrosts, the moisture from Winter snow and rains is absorbed up into the tree branches until they are swollen with moisture, causing them to unfurl. Imagine that!
Take some time to reflect on what was beginning to bud inside
of you LAST spring and summer (internally), that is unfurling now.
Pre-retreat prep:
The day will be focused on the rituals that keep your bed fed and sustained. Primarily eating, breathing and sleeping. You may want to find some fun, nourishing recipes before the retreat that you feel excited to cook. Make sure to have all of your ingredients ready before the day of the retreat. There is also the suggestion to garden. If you don’t have a garden, try a community garden, a neighbours garden, you could pot up old plants, or plant your first plant for the year. You can also visit an outdoor space and spend time there playing with the soil, respectfully touching the plants and trees.
Agenda for the day
Your primary focus for the day is your body and caring for it. Play any music, integrate any crafts, or body-based creativity that allows you to feel embodied throughout the day. Use the ritual as a guideline, but as always, modify it to be your own.
Begin the day with quiet meditation and slow movement - no routine - intuitive flowing. If you start with movement, take moments to be still. Call in whatever version of gratitude or your web of support that feels good for you. (you can begin with the gratitude meditation for this if that feels good to you).
Cook each of your meals, SLOWLY - eat your meals SLOWLY, feel your body receiving your food.
When you feel ready go into your garden and do some tending to your garden - do whatever you feel called to do - whether it's weeding/prepping or picking up leaves or turning soil. Let yourself get dirty and move slow while you do this. Really feeling the sensation of connecting with the earth.
Notice when you move away from the sensations of your body, this is OK. Invite your attention back to the felt sensations in your body.
End the day with reflection. What came to you over the day? Did you receive any insights on how to continue to care for and centre your body in the coming months?
Before heading to bed sit in quiet meditation again. Imagine your roots slowly deepening and expanding and your energy sinking down into the earth - let the medicine of being in your body for the day sink in.
