As winter fades and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, it’s not just nature that experiences growth. For many of us, the shift from the cold, dormant months into the warming, vibrant energy of spring can offer a perfect opportunity for growth, renewal, and transformation—on both a personal and emotional level. As a psychotherapist, I, Michelle Coomes, believe that spring is a natural time to tune in to ourselves, to the world around us, and to the seasons as they shift. This season offers a unique alignment between our own healing processes and the world coming alive outside, making it a powerful time to plant new intentions, goals, and changes.
Why Spring is the Ideal Time for Personal Growth
In the cycle of nature, spring is a time of rebirth, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. Flowers bloom, trees bud, and the energy of the earth shifts as warmth and sunlight begin to return. Similarly, our bodies and minds begin to wake up, allowing us to access more energy as the natural world reawakens. In psychotherapy, we understand that change is often a process that requires intentional attention and readiness. Yet, many people tend to start this process at the beginning of the year, making New Year’s resolutions in January—often still within the cold, quiet energy of winter. However, winter is traditionally a time for rest, reflection, and hibernation, not action. Our bodies are still tuned into a slower pace, as nature itself rests during this season.
The truth is, spring offers us the alignment we need to truly begin planting the seeds for change. As the earth around us starts to come back to life, we, too, have access to the energy needed to make real, sustainable changes. This is a time for grounding and tuning into our internal rhythms—connecting with ourselves and the natural cycles happening outside. Just as we see the world outside transform, we can tune into this energy to cultivate our own growth.
The Power of Tuning In: Nature, Seasons, and Ourselves
At the core of my work as a therapist, I focus on a systemic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things. When we acknowledge that we are part of a larger system—connected not just to each other, but to the seasons, nature, and the earth itself—it becomes easier to recognize the natural flow of life around us and within us.
Mindfulness and grounding are central to this perspective. By tuning in to the present moment, whether through body awareness or simply observing the changes in nature, we can tap into a deeper sense of self. In spring, nature provides a beautiful mirror to what’s happening inside of us. Just as the soil nourishes the seeds planted in the ground, we too can nurture our inner growth. We may feel a natural desire to start new projects, embrace new goals, or make changes to our lifestyles as the world around us blossoms.
Tuning in to nature’s rhythms—whether by taking a walk in the woods, watching the flowers bloom, or simply observing the changing light—reminds us that we, too, are a part of a cyclical process. This awareness helps us to stay present, grounding ourselves in the here and now as we work through personal transitions. Spring invites us to shed what is no longer serving us, much like trees shedding their dead leaves, and to make room for the new.
Why Waiting Until Spring for Change Can Be More Natural
Often, we feel pressured to start anew in the cold months of winter, driven by societal expectations of “fresh starts” in January. But winter is a time of quiet reflection, stillness, and rest—not an optimal time for the action required to make changes. By the time the year begins, our bodies are still in hibernation mode, and it’s easy to feel as though we’re fighting against our natural rhythms when we push ourselves to make major changes.
Spring, however, provides us with a more organic opportunity. As the earth and our bodies come to life with the energy of the season, it becomes the perfect time to plant new intentions, goals, and habits. Just like a gardener prepares the soil for planting, we can take this time to clear away old patterns and make space for new growth. Whether we are working through personal challenges, embarking on career transitions, or simply trying to become more mindful and present, spring provides a powerful backdrop for these changes. Tuning into ourselves during this time can help us align our actions with the natural energy of the season, creating a more sustainable and fulfilling process of transformation.
Practicing Somatic Awareness: How to Ground Yourself in Spring
As you embrace the energy of spring, you might find yourself feeling the urge to take action and make changes. One way to harness this energy is through somatic body-mind techniques. These techniques help us stay present in our bodies, tuning in to the physical sensations and emotions that arise. By grounding yourself in your body, you can cultivate a deep connection to both yourself and the world around you.
For example, you might:
– Take mindful walks outdoors, feeling the changes in the air, observing the budding trees, and allowing the fresh energy of the season to enliven your senses.
– Practice breathwork to connect with the present moment, allowing your body to release tension and embrace the vitality that comes with the changing season.
– Incorporate gentle movement or yoga to open up space in your body, helping you release any lingering stagnation from the winter months.
– Set aside time for quiet reflection in nature, allowing yourself to tune into the natural cycles unfolding outside and within you.
These practices can help you feel more grounded as you embrace the new growth and changes that spring brings.
Spring as a Time of Renewal
As we step into the season of spring, I encourage you to take a moment to tune in to both the earth and your own inner world. By recognizing that the energy of the season is aligned with your own potential for growth, you can make this time of renewal both meaningful and transformative. Whether you’re starting a new project, embracing new goals, or simply becoming more present with your body and emotions, spring offers the natural energy needed for sustained growth.
Through my practice as a psychotherapist, I support clients in embracing the transitions that life offers, helping them ground themselves and move forward in ways that are in harmony with both their personal rhythms and the natural world. Just as flowers bloom and trees bud in spring, you, too, have the power to grow and thrive in this season of renewal.
Let this spring be the time to nurture your inner seeds and watch them bloom into new possibilities.
