There are only two times of the year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in an almost equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes. They take place in March when light brings in a time of optimism sewing the seeds for growth and September, a move towards Winter when the harvest is gatherin, we begin to slow down and many animals take to hibernation.
Spring Equinox
Spring Equinox marks the end of Winter and the rebirth of the Earth as it springs back into life..
It may vary between 19-21 March, depending upon the year. This is the time when the sun hits its zenith, the precise moment when the sun is perfectly lined up with the equator. This moment marks the First Day of Spring, with the light triumphing over darkness. The earth begins waking up, plants start to blossom and grow while some animals come out of the long hibernation.
Regaining Balance
The Spring Equinox reminds us to strive for balance in our lives. The world around us can be stressful to our body, mind and spirit. We may regain that balance by grounding with the ancient practices of Qigong with slow walking. Whether outdoors, welcoming the warmer spring weather, or in our personal space, perhaps in a hallway or around the furniture. Spring is time to welcome new beginnings, sewing the seeds in the earth or the birthing of new ideas. Maybe start something new, increase our yoga and meditation practice or dive deep into the spring cleaning of our living space.
Mind is made of moving thoughts.
Breath moves into the Body, pauses, and Breath moves out.
There is stillness in the pauses between Breaths
Yogis call this The Space of No Thought
See if you can find some time to try this 'balancing' exercise for yoourself.
Spring Walking
Slow Walking: Can be done in the space you have at home, in a hallway or other room, or walking could be outside, in a park or wood.
As you walk, focus on placing one foot in front of the other, notice how the weight transfers from one foot to the other. Notice how your legs, body, arms, spine and shoulders feel as you continue to walk. Be Mindful of feelings, watching thoughts as they arise. Name them, before slowly letting them go. Bring your focus back to your breathing with your eyes on the horizon..
Continue walking but change your focus to the things around you. What do you see? Notice the colours, the textures, the quality of light. Again, if feelings or thoughts come up, hold them for a moment before slowly letting them go.
Return to your home, sit down and close your eyes. Take three deep, slow breaths. As you exhale each time, allow yourself to release any tension your body is carrying.
When you come to the end of your practise, notice how your mind feels, perhaps a little quieter compared to how it felt before the walk. Notice your body, whether it feels a little more relaxed and notice your breath whether the breath has settled. If this is the case then everything will have reached a theshold and come back into balance from the brief mental and physical break.
with Spring Walking
March 10, April 14 Qigong and Yoga at The Yoga School , Victoria Street, Horsham