I love spring. Those first few days when the sweaters come off and the warm sun beats down on my skin, thawing out the last of winter’s icy grip are among my favorite days of the year. The earth awakens from its deep winter slumber and nature begins to bloom while birds romance us with their song. It’s a beautiful invitation for us to embrace the season with a spirit of renewal. It’s a time to shed what no longer serves us, reconnect with nature, and deepen our faith. Spring ushers in a new opportunity for intentional living, when we can refresh our body, mind, and spirit. Let’s take hold of the joy this season offers – after all, that’s the benefit of intentional living. Let’s explore how we can embrace intentional living with spring in mind.
Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
Ideally, you should try to eat as seasonally as possible, regardless of the time of year. But this is especially true in spring; spring is nature’s detox. It’s when we all shake off the darkness of winter and embrace the light. There’s a reason we call it “spring cleaning” – we detox our homes, why not detox our bodies? Especially at a time when the earth offers fresh, vibrant produce that can support our own cleansing process. Eating seasonally helps us align with the rhythms of nature, ensuring we’re nourishing our bodies with the nutrients they crave during this season of growth.
Spring Superfoods to Include:
Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, arugula, and dandelion greens are packed with nutrients to support your liver and digestive system.
Asparagus: This vegetable helps detoxify and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Strawberries: Packed with antioxidants, strawberries support your immune system and are a refreshing, sweet addition to your diet.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro can enhance digestion and bring flavor to your dishes.
Radishes: These are great for stimulating your digestive tract and cleansing your body.
Try eating these spring foods in salads or as sides to your meat dishes. Or you can drink them in herbal Teas like dandelion root or peppermint to detox and soothe your body.
By eating in harmony with the season, you’re not only providing your body with the nutrients it needs but also aligning yourself with nature’s rhythms, offering a gentle “reset” as you embrace the freshness of Spring.
Reconnect with Nature
Spring is the perfect time to practice mindfulness by slowing down and engaging with the world around us. The sun is out, and the ground is teeming with new life. Nature is begging us to reconnect with it, and we should – it’s good for the nervous system. Here are some things you can do to spend a little more time outside this spring.
Start a Garden
Whether you plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables, gardening can be a deeply meditative act. As you dig into the soil, think of it as a way to tend to your spiritual life as well, planting seeds of faith, hope, and renewal. A garden takes careful tending, just like we do. It must be fed, watered, and cared for. Pray over your plants and each time you see new growth, remember the growth happening within you too. Setting up a garden in spring prepares you to be continually nourished throughout the summer.
If you don’t have space for a garden, try container gardening. Some plants thrive in a container on a balcony or patio. I still grow my herbs like this sometimes, rather than putting them in with my vegetables in the backyard, and it makes them easily accessible anytime I want to snip a few leaves to add to my meals.
Go for a Nature Walk or Hike
One of the simplest ways to reconnect with nature is to immerse yourself in it. Do this by taking a walk at a local park or visiting your favorite hiking spots. As you do, let your senses fully engage with your surroundings, acknowledging the sights, smells, and noises you experience. You can even bring along a journal to jot down thoughts, prayer requests, or reflections inspired by your walk.
Have a Picnic
Pack a light meal or some of your favorite snacks and enjoy a picnic in your yard or at a local park. Eating outside encourages you to feel more grounded and appreciative of nature’s abundance. Enjoy the elements of nature surrounding you while you eat and consider inviting friends or family to join you and make it a time of fellowship and gratitude for God’s blessings.
Embrace New Beginnings
Spring is also a time for spiritual renewal. As Easter approaches, we reflect on the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Just as the earth awakens and life begins to bloom, we, too, are invited to embrace the newness of life that comes from Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Isaiah 43:19 says “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God invites us to embrace the newness of His work in our lives. You can do this by practicing gratitude, refreshing your home or wardrobe, or undertaking a new Bible study.
Practice Gratitude
Take a few moments each day to write down or talk about the things you are grateful for. If you need some inspiration, check out my gratitude journal template here. If you want to make this practice more seasonal, name the things you are grateful for while you are taking a walk, or sit outside while you journal. Add in some deep breathing exercises for extra relaxation while you’re there.
Refresh Your Home or Wardrobe
Are you gearing up for spring cleaning? Or have you been thinking about doing a closet overhaul? Spring is the perfect time to do it! Block off some time, open the windows, and get to work! Whether you’re just purging, cleaning, or looking for a complete refresh, set aside some time and go at your own pace. When you’re done, reward yourself with a nourishing and refreshing meal.
Undertake a New Bible Study
If reading and studying the Word has gotten a little stale, or if your well is running dry, spring is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Grab a reading log, a journal, or a new Bible study to get those gears turning again.
Conclusion
Don’t forget that little things like acknowledging the holidays and decorating appropriately can increase your enjoyment of the season as well. For spring, think light and airy, with a lot of greenery and vibrant, natural hues. Open windows for fresh air and natural sunlight, and enjoy light, refreshing meals made with spring’s abundance in mind. Look forward to passing holidays and make it a point to celebrate them with loved ones. There are many ways to embrace the season and live more intentionally this spring. Find ones that speak to you and try to incorporate them in a way that brings you joy. What is your favorite way to live more intentionally this season?
