Spring Forward Lightly

Spring Awakening

Just as the life in the seeds can’t help but erupt into the glory of the first spring flowers, in our bodies, potential is finding its way to the surface.

Our natural surroundings provide a reflection of what is going on inside. Just as in the winter time we had to wear layers of clothing to keep us warm, the body had to coat its tissues and cells with insulation. Now, as we peal off our winter coats, our inner body is trying to do the same. Sticking to a diet that is rich in fats, animal protein, dairy, and other heavily mucus forming foods, is as unnatural as making ourselves wear our thermal underwear on a warm spring day!

Spring is a time of budding what lays beneath the surface. On an emotional level, seeds of optimism may grow and we may find the power to shine bright. On the other hand, if we have avoided the introspective season of winter and kept our internal struggles repressed, they may now surface with full force, demanding to be addressed.

Waking up isn’t always easy, but vital for our survival as spiritual beings.

Whether you are experiencing pain or pleasure, feeling “good” or “bad” is not the point. The awakening is has more to do with how we relate to what we are feeling rather than to the feeling itself.

As the weather warms, it is common for a new sense of urgency around appearance and body image to arise. In the example of weight loss, your body may be awakening to its need of shedding winter layers. An urgency to lose weight in order to look good in the eyes of others is not an awakening. An awakening is when the desire to lose weight comes from the inner directed natural rhythm of your body.
While the weight loss methods may be the same in both cases, the internal process is entirely different. Fighting the weight through stress and self criticism is war. When we learn to let go internally as well as shed the physical layers, we learn Love. When you learn to love it all you have awakened; the good, the bad, the journey, and the destination,

No matter what cross road you are on, invite spirit into it.

Feeling tired?
During spring allot of energy is being drawn out of the earth by the trees, allowing them to bloom. When we spend most of our day walking in shoes on concrete floors, we are not receiving much earth energy for ourselves. Lean your back on the trunk of a tree for a few minutes each day or spend some time walking barefoot on the grass. There is a lot of energy on the surface of the ground, soak it up!

Sprouts

Sprouts represent new beginnings, containing a youthful vibrancy of potential growth.
As with any living organism in stages of infancy, we can feel the full potential of life. When eating sprouts you are providing your body life and vitality. Sprouts contain the vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and simple sugars. They are high in antioxidants, phytochemicals and significant amounts of vitamins A, C and D. Since sprouts are very easy to digest, our bodies are able to metabolize all these wonderful nutrients.
In their raw form, sprouts have a cooling effect on the body, and therefore are best consumed in warm weather or by robust, warm body types. Those who tend to feel cool can try steaming spouts or adding them to warm dishes such as stir-fries and soups, to reduce the cooling effect. There is a wide variety of edible and delicious sprouts, each with a different texture and flavor: alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, radish, clover, sunflower, broccoli, garbanzo and adzuki.

Here are some great ways to serve up sprouts:

* Add to salads
* Combine with other vegetables in wraps, roll-ups or stir-fries
* Use as garnish on top of soups, stews, omelets or scrambled eggs
* Add to rice or whole grain dishes
* Use in sandwiches instead of lettuce.

Prepare a salad using the following ingredients:

* Mixed greens (use dark green or red lettuces, a spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach.)

* Dandelion greens

* Alfalfa sprouts (or other sprouts; see examples mentioned above)

* Spring onions

* Dikon radish (delicious when shredded or julienned)

* Regular radishes

* Carrots (shredded or julienned)

* Raw beet (shredded or julienned)

All the vegetables above are seasonal to spring. You can then add you other favorites such as tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, cucumber, etc.

For The Dressing:

mix lemon juice (a spring cleanser), olive oil, garlic (another spring cleanser), salt and pepper. You can optionally add a teaspoon of mustard to the mix.