A Busy Season: Finding My Yin
Springtime can feel discombobulating for some: cold-hot-cold-hot-cold-hot. Waking up and needing to check the weather to see if you need to put on shorts or a winter coat. Personally, I love the back and forth. After a few warm days, I welcome the cold and vice versa. The change in weather keeps me on my toes. I notice things more. I am more in tune with the way the sun hits my face or the feel of wind on my skin. I am more alive and alert.
It also helps me balance my yin and yang. Cold days allow me to snuggle in with a blanket and a book. On the warmer days I am out walking, seeing my neighbors who have been hibernating and feeling a little more energized. Balancing my yin and yang is essential for my happiness.
As I look ahead, I see that I have a bunch of yang in my future: lots of travel and a college graduation to boot. Not much time to sit on my couch and recharge. In the same way I have to pay attention to the changeable weather in spring, I am going to have to pay attention to my internal state. How am I doing? When do I need to take a breath, a nap, sit with a book. I am going to need to build in opportunities to check in and slow down and take everything in. When can I insert some yin in my life?
What is my meaning and purpose right now?
As I prepare for this season of abundance—travel, friends, family, milestones, I am going to have to adjust my goals. What is important to me in these next couple months? What do I have to let go of to make room for all the activity and stimulation? How will I know when to push forward and when to hang back in order to align with my deeper purpose while respecting my energy capacity? I can be kind to myself. I can remind myself that this time is temporary, just as every season is. That after all the commotion is over, I can sit on my couch again with a cup of tea.
What is coming up for you in this season? Do you need to prepare? Do you need to identify meaning and purpose for this time as a way to stay true to yourself? How can you be kind to yourself?
