A Meditation for Spring

By Aluna Michaels, M.A.

It was a rough winter, and it seemed we'd never enjoy the outdoors again! With spring finally here, invigorate yourself by bringing your meditation practice outside.

Gardening Meditation: While you are actively working in the garden, become aware of the spiritual implications of your tasks. Imagine a goal you want to accomplish, or a quality you'd like to develop. Perhaps you want to adopt healthier eating habits to lose weight—or you'd like to have more patience with your "challenging" mother-in-law. As you till the soil, see it as a symbol of your mind becoming prepared for this change of consciousness. Plant the seedlings in the ground and visualize new thoughts and behaviors taking root in your mind. Water the little plants as you say affirmations about your new vision for yourself.

As you are weeding, remind yourself that even if doubts or old patterns creep in, you can remove them—negativity can't keep you from your goal, just as you won't allow wayward weeds to choke out your flower bed. Over the weeks as you watch your "actual" garden grow, remind yourself of the possibilities that are blossoming in the garden of your mind!

Sun Meditation: If you aren't blessed with a green thumb, or just have a bit of time to spend outside quietly, let the sun bless you with energy. (With sunscreen, you needn't be concerned with "being in the light" for a short time.) Try this meditative exercise that can also refresh your eyesight.

Without sunglasses, sit with closed eyes. Turn your face toward the sun for 10-15 seconds. Imagine the sun's enthusiasm empowering your mind with new creative ideas.

Next, keep your eyes closed and briskly rub the palms of your hands together.

Cup them over your closed eyes for 10-15 seconds as you continue to face the sun. Visualize your mind retaining those exciting concepts. Repeat this process as long as you like.

Tree Meditation: If you are a tree lover, your heart was probably broken along with the limbs of so many majestic trees during the ice storm! Find a tree you like that seems especially ravaged. Sit beneath it and think about its sturdy roots that are still deeply fixed within the earth-and think of your commitments to the people you love and the important goals in your life. These are your own roots! Imagine your tree gallantly repairing itself over time. Visualize limbs growing back, branches abundant with leaves and birds nesting in its comforting structure.

Likewise, consider how nature works to heal your life after cataclysmic changes-new love after a broken relationship; a wonderful job after being fired by an abusive boss; your body healing after an illness.

By keeping your connection with nature, it is easier to feel your undeniable sense of belonging to the world. This makes your daily tasks and stresses easier to bear, and helps you offer support to others who forget how important they are to the planet!

Aluna Michaels is a second generation astrologer and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. She holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling. Aluna is available for readings in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www.ascension.net/aluna.