Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. After months spent indoors and bundling up to ward off winter weather, the start of spring is the perfect opportunity to shed those layers both physically and symbolically by clearing our subconscious to make space for clear, energized intentions. Read on to discover a simple meditation ritual you can incorporate into your daily routine to enter the season feeling calm and refreshed.
Create Your Sacred Space
In order to quiet your mind, creating a calm, comfortable space is key. Try to choose a space where you know you won’t be distracted or interrupted for at least five minutes. This could be a quiet corner of your home or a spot on the floor with a blanket or a yoga mat laid out. Remember, this is your practice! The best space for meditation is one that makes you feel calm and comfortable. You can enhance your space by adding candles, essential oils, or crystals. Our Meditation Dupatta (pictured right), made with love and artisanship by village women from Lucknow, India, is a great addition to your practice as it helps to ground you in your sacred space and remain in alignment with your intention.
Set An Intention for Your Practice
Before sitting down to meditate, ask yourself, “What is my intention for this practice?” In other words, how would you like to feel at the end of this meditation? Your intention could be a singular word or a sentence that encompasses your goal for the practice. Setting an intention before you sit down to meditate allows you to remember why you are making time for self-care in your day and is a great tool to anchor yourself in the present moment if you find that your mind starts to wander.
Priti Tip: “Om shanti shanti” is a Sanskrit mantra that invokes peace. “Wahe guru” is a powerful mantra that allows joy and light deep inside your being. Either mantra can be chanted on its own or in addition to the intention or mantra you create.
How to Meditate
Your meditation practice is like a muscle– the more often you exercise it, the stronger it will become. If you are new to meditation, begin by setting aside 5 minutes. As time goes on and you become more comfortable, you can increase your practice by 1-2 minute intervals working your way up to your desired time. If you are short on time, in between meetings, or have places to be, that’s okay! No act of self-care is too small.
Priti Tip: Meditation can be practiced at any time of day, any place you’re comfortable! Meditating in the morning helps to set a calm, focused tone for the day ahead while meditation in the evening will help you wind down and prepare for a restful night of sleep.
- Take a seat in your chosen sacred space. This could be cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor beneath you.
- Close your eyes or gently direct your gaze downward.
- Bring your mantra or intention for the practice to mind. If you find yourself becoming restless or distracted during your practice, return to this phrase.
- Become aware of the breath. Take a deep breath in through the nose, filling the belly with air, then exhale, releasing the breath out through the mouth. Repeat this 2-3 times before returning the breath to its normal rhythm.
- Do your best to remain still in this space for the duration of your practice.
- Once the time is up, gently open your eyes or refocus your gaze. Wiggle your toes and fingers and slowly refamiliarize yourself with the space around you. Acknowledge how you feel. Do you feel calmer? More energized? As you go on with your day, make a point to return to this feeling.
Meditation benefits your emotional wellbeing, enhances self-awareness, and provides balance and calm with just a few minutes a day. Combine this intentional self-care practice with a mindful skincare routine and prepare to enter the season ahead feeling balanced and refreshed in your healthiest skin and soul yet!
