Spring Reawakening
Here we are on the brink of Spring (and mud season)!
The sun is brighter and warmer, the days longer and the air more fragrant. Although time has passed - and so much has changed in my physical body and our environment - I am doing my best to stay in alignment with the mindset of awe and connection that I wrote from last month. I’m happy to say, I feel like I have stepped out onto the “other side” of these early postpartum months. I have slowly returned to work, reconnecting with some of you and it feels SO good. Having time for my own identity and work that fills me makes me a better mother, wife and person overall. I am so grateful to be back doing the work I love!
How about you? Are you noticing any changes in yourself, your environment or your outlook? Have you been connecting more to awe or your community in ways that feel grounding?
These concepts and teachings of noticing - or what is called mindfulness: being present in the moment, observing without judgement and feeling connected - are things I am closely acquainted with and even still, I am consistently surprised by how helpful these practices are when I experience their power first hand. My first thought is so often “How can something that seems so small and simple feel so profound and healing?”
I encourage you to join me in this practice and curiosity, and if you want to dive even deeper, check out these podcasts:
Experiencing and practicing mindfulness can typically look like simple actions, but they come with almost outsized impacts. A wholesome - straightforward and subtle - practice that has been very healing for me recently is feeling and noticing my energy levels. In yoga this is referred to as the energetic body or layer. Breathing practices and tuning into my nervous system state (stress, relaxed, scared, etc.) have always allowed me to connect to this part of me - the energetic body. But, it wasn’t until this postpartum healing journey that I felt the immensity of my energetic health, or honestly, lack thereof…
This podcast episode about Ayurveda came at just the right time; the part I have been focusing on most is the power of prana (also called qi, chi, mana, life energy or so many other names to nearly every indigenous culture) to heal our bodily tissues. Another way to say this is how the energy we bring in turns into and nourishes the tissues of our physical body. This isn’t only food, but also sunlight, air, who we are around and maybe even the information we are reading.
This reminder of prana and all forms of nourishment has encouraged so many steps of clarity and growth for me, my mind and my environment. One example is that I have returned to a morning practice (most days). I head outside barefoot to see the sky and take 3 breaths with some kind of gentle movement. The impact that this seemingly small and simple practice has is profound; I am really aware of the day to day reawakening that comes with the winter thaw and spring’s arrival.
In addition to increasing my mindful actions, these days I am also limiting my intake of social media and news. As I minimize taking in information too fast or that feels too chaotic, and fill myself with awe and connection - just like Nature - I continue to notice my own energy increase and feel a spring re-awakening within. The things I’m noticing are how my energy in the day is shifting, what my desires around listening and dancing to music are and generally that my overall sense of vitality and hope is increasing.
What does connecting to your energetic body look and feel like? Have you experienced gaining energy from Nature or in some other way?
Inhale with ease, exhale with closed eyes slowly and feel yourself settle. Your nervous system and energetic body will thank you.
For additional thoughts on and free resources about perinatal rehab and postpartum movement, see my March 2025 newsletter here. And consider subscribing below for monthly installments directly to your inbox!