Spring has finally arrived, and she brings with her sunlight, warmth, and fresh flower buds. Soon the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms will appear, and knowing they only bloom for a fleeting time makes it especially important to cherish them. Cherry blossoms are nature’s way of teaching us about mindfulness, as they gently remind us to remain in the beauty, wonder and impermanence of the present moment.
This season of growth and renewal is a lovely time to reflect on what you need to bloom within. The following mindfulness practices can support you in cultivating intentions, gratitude, self-care, self-love, and resilience.
Breathe deeply and notice what is arising in your body and mind. Go beyond external noise and avoid seeking advice from outside sources. Instead, tune into your quiet inner voice. What are your intentions, longings, and aspirations? Intentions can serve as a grounding and healing force in times of change. Consider what small changes you can make to align your thoughts, words, and actions with your sincere intentions.
Breathe naturally and allow yourself to find rest in this moment. Ask yourself: What are you grateful for? There is nothing too small or insignificant to deserve your thankfulness. Allow this appreciative awareness to fill your body, mind, and heart. Genuine gratitude is an expression of love and respect, which can foster inner peace and contentment.
Breathe gently and go inwards, attuning to the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Give yourself permission to really listen to what you hear. It’s safe to trust yourself and honour your needs. Mindful self-care is a gentle and nurturing way to empower ourselves.
Breathe softly and appreciate your strengths and resilience, while also gently holding your struggles and vulnerabilities with compassion and equanimity. Notice how you talk to yourself: are you gentle and kind, or do you speak with a harsh and critical voice? Consider how it would feel to speak to yourself as you would to a cherished friend. Remember, you deserve your own self-affirming love and affection as much as anyone.
Breathe fully and embrace that life is filled with both beauty and imperfection. We may notice our minds are either ruminating about the past or running into the future. Learning to be fully present during ordinary daily activities such as breathing, walking, and eating can be helpful to maintain inner balance. Although mindfulness may sound simple, in our fast-paced culture it is a noble act to remain present in each moment. With a wholesome daily practice, we can cultivate resilience to face inevitable challenges with grace and dignity.
