Read Carolinas Wellness Collective’s Lisa Cashion’s top five ways to build resiliency with the seasons. As we navigate this latest seasonal shift, join Lisa in taking some pointers from nature. Refresh and enjoy the seasons!
WRITTEN BY Lisa L. Cashion, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC
Hello Spring! I am not sure what struck me first this year – the birds, the blossoms, or the pollen – but all are sure signals that the seasons have changed. Move over winter; spring is back in town.
Even beyond the observable signs and the temperature change, seasonal shifts are a real, mixed bag of experiences. We get beginnings and endings, adjustments, false starts, and happy surprises.
For me, spring can feel like such a relief – a chance to release the tension of a colder, darker winter. I love the way the days stretch longer during the springtime, and I get a significant mood boost from the warmer weather. But saying goodbye to winter can be really hard, too. There is something instructive about the sturdiness of winter, with all the empty branches holding their shape against the sky, reminding me to hold steady and dig deep.
Don’t get me wrong; I am always ready for spring! But I respect the winter, and all of the people who prefer it, and the necessity of winter to make spring so spring-y.
Many of life’s transitions are like the changing of seasons: comforting and disruptive; thrilling and scary; welcome and dreaded. It takes nothing short of resiliency to navigate so much change, and if we look closely, nature’s seasons are not only reflecting and requiring resiliency, but also creating resiliency in us!
As you navigate this latest seasonal shift, join me in taking some pointers from nature. Nature is a friendly, funny, and – occasionally – frustrating guide.
5 Ways to Build Resiliency with the Seasons:
Engaging the senses – Pay attention to what you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell as a natural way of calming the nervous system. A calmer body allows for calmer responses to stimuli and stressors.
Promoting Concentration – Pay attention to what is different or changing around you. Build up your focus by marveling at the daily subtle adjustments that add up to the full-on arrival of seasons.
Connecting to Youth – Find that youthful energy and enthusiasm by connecting to the natural memories of childhood. Walk barefoot in the grass; dance in the rain, pick dandelions, climb – or hug – a tree! Plan a picnic with a friend or hike in the woods.
Fostering Creativity – Generate ideas, gain clarity, and imagine possibilities by participating in nature. Nature is inspirational. Take time to notice cloud shapes, reflections and shadows, color palettes, creative animal habitats.
Improving Self-esteem/Developing Humility – Be awed by the sheer magnitude of nature, and be grounded by your personal participation in natural changes. Collaborate with the earth and with others through gardening, fishing, exploring, engaging in green exercise.
Refresh and enjoy!
Lisa L. Cashion, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC
Carolinas Wellness Collective — Working with Individuals, Couples and Families for Mental / Emotional / Relational Wellness
Sign-up for one of Lisa’s upcoming SparkWell workshops here.
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