Second Spring

"To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves."

— Mahatma Gandhi

March knows exactly what it’s doing! Bulbs push through frozen, muddy ground. Trees grow their buds once again. Birds make a joyful racket in the gardens (I wonder what they’re chirping about!). 

Spring is here, doing what it does best: churning the soil, starting again, renewing.

Meanwhile, some of us are experiencing our own less-celebrated spring (aka menopause). And just like the season, it can be messy, with false starts, unexpected frosts, heat waves, foggy days and sunny days. Eventually, the monthly cycles stop, and a different rhythm begins. 

Kate Codrington calls it “second spring,” that phase after the storm when something shifts. Things will not return to how they were, and never will. Second spring doesn't mean everything will bloom at once; it means the conditions are right to move forward into something else. 

So how can we tend to this second spring? We start where spring always starts: in the soil. Choose your soil with care, in nature, and metaphorically too. What soil are you planting yourself into?

. . . . .

Soil makes us happy. It contains Mycobacterium vaccae*, a natural antidepressant that stimulates the production of serotonin, our mood-stabilising hormone. It’s also believed to improve cognitive functions (memory, problem-solving, concentration) and help regulate stress. 

Gardening also engages our senses through touch, repetitive movements, and the myriad natural smells teasing our nostrils— much like mindfulness practices. 

And of course, if you’re playing in the dirt, you’ll most likely be outside. If not, it’s a perfect opportunity to step out. Exposure to natural light offers many benefits, like boosting Vitamin D and improving sleep.

. . . . .

This month, I invite you to get your hands in the dirt!

Find a patch of soil (even a very small one will do), or, if you don’t have that, use a small bag of compost. 

Roll up your sleeves and dive in! 

Immerse your hands in the soil. 

Knead, rub, dig, roll, squeeze, play. How does that feel?

Close your eyes. Acknowledge the richness of the earth and the nourishment it provides. Be open and curious: What wants to grow now? What is quietly composting? What is the quality of your inner soil? 

Take a deep breath. Draw in the energy of the soil in your hands, through your body.

Then, dust – wash – repeat. Gently dust off your hands, wash them with soap and warm water, and repeat as often as you like. Your nervous system will thank you for it!

. . . . .

Your body knows about spring. It’s been practising. Now take what you’ve learned with your hands in the soil: patience, grounding, trust, wisdom, willingness to get messy, and dare to be the change you want to see in your organisation, family, community, and life!

* Getting Dirty May Lift Your Mood 

Image Credit: Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash