It’s almost time for the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, marking the balance of sunlight and darkness as the sun crosses the equator, moving from south to north. This special day marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. This year the equinox falls on March 20, 2025, at 5:01 a.m. (EDT). I like to honor three days before, the day of, and three days after the equinox, taking some time each day to journal or reflect on the seasonal themes and nuances. Let’s spring into it!
Seasonal Themes and Nuances
- Balance is something we can strive for all year long, but during the equinox window it takes center stage. An area that leaps to mind is the work/life balance. How much time is spent working and how much time is for play? Too much work can cause mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and stress. Another important area to balance is doing and being. Constant activity (doing) leaves no time for calming practices like inner reflection, meditation, or simply resting. Is it time to give yourself permission to play and rest a bit more?
- New Beginnings, birth, rebirth, renewal, and growth are also themes for the season. The sun enters the sign of Aries at equinox. As the first sign on the zodiacal wheel, Aries represents new beginnings. In ancient agrarian cultures, this was a time to celebrate the sun’s returning warmth and softening of the earth for planting seeds that would provide future nourishment. Consider what is being born or renewed in your life this year. What would you like to tenderly plant and grow? Is there a new project, trend, relationship, hobby, or career to pursue? What is calling to you? Is it time to plant the literal or metaphorical seeds that have been germinating since Imbolc?
- Spring beckons us to throw open the windows or get outside for gardening, kite flying, or a walk in the park. We may also find ourselves doing a deep spring cleaning of home and hearth, closets, drawers, attics, or storage units. Appetites may shift away from hearty root veggies to lighter fare. A juice cleanse can provide a nice start to spring too. Colors to wear or decorate with are any and every shade of green, and pastels of yellow, pink, blue, and lavender.
- Caregivers can start to breathe a sigh of relief as snow is melting and warmer temperatures make it easier to navigate outdoors with care recipients. If someone you care for has been spending a lot of time indoors due to winter’s chill, taking a drive or a stroll through the garden will be a welcome change for them and for you. Remember to keep an umbrella, warm sweater, or blanket handy against those unpredictable March winds and April showers.
The Seasonal Soup Kitchen
This year one of my goals is to celebrate Wayne’s legacy. Sharing a hearty bowl of soup, a crusty loaf of bread, and good conversation was Wayne’s way to celebrate. Making and sharing soup with others is an act of kindness, and while I can’t make soup for you all, I can share soup recipes from the Food Doctor and Friends cookbook. This Potato Leek Soup was chosen because potatoes are a hearty root veggie to ward off a chill March wind. For balance, it also features the delicious spring veggies, leeks and celery. Enjoy!
- 6 cups chopped leeks (white parts only)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 6 cups water
- 1/3 cup white basmati rice
- ¼ tsp. white pepper
- 1 tsp. dill
- splash wine vinegar
Sauté leeks, celery, and potatoes in oil for 5-7 minutes. Add water, rice, white pepper, and dill. Bring to a boil; lower heat and 42 cook 15-20 minutes. Puree in blender until smooth. Return to pot and add vinegar. Serve hot and garnish with a few leek circles. Feel free to add a few red chili peppers or a dash of cayenne on a cold day. Yummy!
To Serve or Not to Serve?
We all find ourselves in service to others at some point in life. Some more than others. This section of the newsletter will invite you to reflect on the many surprising ways you live a life of service (whether you are aware of it or not). Grab your journal or sit down with a friend to talk about these prompts. Our first installment was featured in the Imbolc Newsletter and focused on the self. This season’s topic is Service to our own unique calling.
- What have you been truly called to do in life? Most of us work for a living at some point, and some of us work for a very long time. Often the work we do to earn a living is not necessarily an occupation that satisfies the passionate nature of a true calling. Raising a family, sailing the ocean, entering religious or civil service roles, designing and creating art, and volunteering for causes like supporting human or animal rights might all be considered as callings. What is your unique calling? Are you serving it in some way?
- Is your calling also the way you earn a living? If so, does it still feel inspiring and fresh? Does it still bring you joy? What is needed to keep it energized?
- Have you been able to give your calling enough attention and nurturing? If not, why not? How will you feel if you begin to truly serve your calling?
- Has the act of serving your calling eclipsed other important areas of your life?
- Are you ready to serve your own unique calling if it has not come to pass? First, describe in detail what you are being called to do. Write it down! What are the action steps needed to get started on your path? Who are your allies as you seek to fulfill your calling? How do you create the time for your calling if you are still working to earn a living? Think outside the box!
On the Blog: The Long Covid Series is both a memoir and a resource for the “living well” portion of our mission. “X” is for Crossing parts 1,2, and 3 are available in the ABC’s for Living Well.
Quotes for Season: “All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” ~ E.B. White, Author
May all beings be safe, well, happy, and content as we spring into the season.