Fáilte to dtí mí na Márta! Welcome to March!

There’s already a “grand stretch in the evening” and the days are brighter. This is a time when new things needs to be nourished in the what is still the harshness of Spring, when the weather is frequently cold and frosty. It's a time when new life needs courage, strength and care to take their first steps into the world, to leave behind the shelter of the womb or nest and face the world and its sometimes harsh winds.

Young animals and birds, though no longer needing round the clock protection, are still too small to be alone without care. Despite being vulnerable, they must be supported to rise to the challenge, be stretched through the growth process - an exciting but tentative time with some inherent risks. Applying this approach in our own lives is seasonal living. A month for nurturing ourselves and our new ideas and plans that were dreamed up over Winter, born into life in early Spring and now needing care and attention.

One of the best ways to connect with this month is to be led by nature, to spend time immersing in your senses outdoors - what do you see / hear / feel / taste / smell? Sitting in the garden yesterday in the bright sunshine, I noticed the sun higher in the sky that he had been in the last few months, I noticed 2 bees buzzing around checking out the garden. The wild garlic I planted last year under the hedge has grown and the path is now lined with the bobbing, swaying sunny daffodils. Signs of life and hope in a tumultuous world. I find great reassurance and a sense of calm in the natural cyclical rhythms of nature when much of life still feels uncertain around us.

Here are some of my suggestions on how to connect to this month of March:

1. Plant seeds - nothing as satisfying as nurturing seedlings and watching them grow. Can be done indoors on your windowsill so easily and for little cost

2. March can be cold and windy - nourish yourself with seasonal, warming foods (think soups, stews, curries) and hot drinks like a homemade hot chocolate or Chai

3. Make your physical space around you more nuturing - where can you declutter and add comfort to your home / work space etc.?

4. Spend time in nature, wrap up and get outdoors each day during the daylight to help boost happy hormones and mood. Take notice of the changes in nature and new life abound

5. Nuture your plans and ideas - tend to them carefully as if they were newborns

6. Many people in Ireland mark the start of Lent during March - consider giving up something that will make your life better

7. St.Patrick’s Day on March 17th - a day synonymous with good luck. I believe we create our own luck by thinking positive thoughts. Start each day with visualising a positive image or outcome, use a vision board or affirmations each morning

8. March 8th is International Women’s Day - who will you honour on this day? Get together with friends and family and celebrate womankind in a way that resonates with you. For we are always stronger together

9. These are just my ideas - you will have your own ways of connecting to March and attuning to its energy, but we often have to give it time and thought. Slow down, spend some time journaling and reflecting on March and how you can align to its beauty and rhythm. If you are new to journaling or would like some support getting started check out my new 21 Day Spring Journaling Course starting on 28th March https://bit.ly/3sADwu1

If you would like to learn more about seasonal living and how it helps prevent burn-out and boost your energy then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. It’s my area of expertise and I would love to help you out. You can also check out my 12 month Seasonal Wellbeing Programme called Seasonal Soul, it’s for women who are struggling with burn-out to prioritise themselves without guilt www.ebbflowyoga.ie/seasonalsoul

Wishing you a nurturing March, see you next month!

le grá,

Maeve x