Spring Equinox: Finding Balance
“The wind of change…blows most freely through an open mind.”
art by Marina Skromova
Happy Spring!
Here in the northern hemisphere we have arrived through the dark passage of winter to this threshold into spring.
The Spring Equinox is one of only two days in the entire year where light and dark are equally halved. In fact the word equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night).
The turning of the wheel of the year reminds us that balance is a dynamic dance of opposites rather than a static holding pattern.
Though today is a day of equilibrium, the balance of the earth is something held over the entire course of a year. Tomorrow the light gently begins to outpace the night, eventually climaxing at the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
Balance is not achieved by showing up the same way everyday— maintaining a rigid schedule that is locked and loaded or giving equal amounts of attention to all the things we value.
Rather true balance comes from dancing the spiral—allowing ourselves to move rhythmically between opposite poles in a figure 8 of expansion/contraction; growth/release; giving/receiving; inhale/exhale.
It is in the movement of opposites that new life is coaxed forth.
“seedling” by Alea Michele
Last week, the winds here in LA were wild, heralding the coming spring with powerful gusts that toppled trees and shook loose the delicate white petals of the flowering pear trees.
Wind is made from the confluence of cold air and warm air; the mixing of contrasting temperatures creates the energy that powers sails and enables the hawk to soar.
This, too, is the alchemy of spring.
Winter’s cold gestation of slumbering seeds gives rise to green shoots and sprouts when met by the warmth of Spring’s sunlight and heat. The mating of male and female animals allows for the birth of new life of every kind.
Spring’s fertility comes from the mixing and merging of opposites.
When we allow ourselves to move between poles, to ebb and flow, rise and fall, inhabit the masculine and feminine energies of our human expression and everything inbetween, we strike a type of balance only visible from a wider view, but one that honors the rich tapestry of aliveness that each of us are.
As Spring arrives, I invite you to join me in paying attention to the alchemy of this season.
There is so much that can shift within us when we step out with an open heart and mind into the wide world of earth and sky.
I am offering a free 4-week pilgrimage called Signs of Spring, with the hopes of deepening into the invitations of the season, and I would love for you to join me!
Here’s how it works: for the first 4 weeks of the spring season, we will set aside a little slice of time each week to wander in the wild (or semi-wild) on our own time and allow spring's tender beauty to crack our own hearts open to emergent possibility.
Each week, I’ll send a gentle reminder, some inspiration, and the opportunity to connect with other spring pilgrims, if you choose.
On this first day of spring, may you be held in the equal embrace of light and dark. May it remind you of the fullness of all that you are and are becoming.
Pssst….know someone who might like this post? Pass it on!
Connecting to the body’s wisdom and the longings of our soul are important aspect of the work I do as a 1:1 Soul Companion.
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Hi, I’m Stephanie!
As a Soul Companion, educator, and sacred space holder, I am passionate about deepening our connection to the earth, our bodies, and the Divine Mystery that dances in all that is.
Let’s journey together into the sacred wild!
