Watch out, fellow Yogis and Happiness seekers! A powerful weekend lies ahead of us. The 20th of March brings with it the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere. And if that weren’t big enough, we are also celebrating the International Day of Happiness on this particular date.
Celebrating the arrival of spring
The first day of spring, also known as the Vernal Equinox, Ostara, is a time to celebrate new beginnings, life, awakening, coming out of the winter and its darkness. Most of all, it’s about balance since this is the day that day and night are equal length.
This weekend, with all the fresh and cleansing spring energy in the air might be the perfect time do some spring cleaning to your home but even more to your mind, thoughts, emotions and your body.
Spring cleaning your home can be so relieving. Look around you: Are there any things that you don’t need anymore? Things you don’t need to hold onto anymore? The same goes for your thoughts and old beliefs. You might find emotional ties that are holding you back, some negative thoughts and old habits you have been dealing with for far too long now. Time to let them go.
Spring is filled with new beginnings. This spirit can help you move on and start new again (symbolically). It’s the perfect time to set some intentions. Your intention is like a seed. If you give it some attention, it will grow.
When it comes to setting intentions, I have a ritual: I write it down, almost like a mantra. One powerful sentence or affirmation. And I carry it in my purse to have it with me all day and whenever I see it, I silently repeat it for myself. Try it for yourself and let me know if it works for you!
On an equinox, day and night are of equal length. It’s the perfect time to think about balance in your life. How is your work-life balance and are you happy with it? Do you have enough time on your own or do you give too much energy away for other people and their needs? Balance doesn’t have to be a 50:50 split, that’s not what it is about. Take an honest look inside and you will figure out if there’s an area that needs more balance in your life. Springtime is the perfect time to review yourself and make sure you are as balanced as our nature is.
Last but not least, the spring equinox is about coming out of hibernation. I noticed that the sun rises earlier and with more power in the mornings now and it makes getting up early so much easier. With the lighter morning (and longer days in general), I have an urge to move, to stretch and to waken up my body. A Yoga practice, a walk in nature or simply sitting in the sun is perfect to shake off winter
International Day of Happiness
On Saturday, we will be celebrating the International Day of Happiness. Although every day should be a day happiness, I’m so glad that there’s a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society, with the Dalai Lama as patron and the support of the United Nations.
Check out their website for more inspiration and remember: Happiness is contagious! Our happiness influences the people we know and the people they know.
