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Spring Movement
By Cornelia Powell | March 26, 2010
A few minutes before the Spring Equinox, I ventured out into the “mostly sunny and warmer than it’s been in a long time” afternoon. I was following a protocol that I read from a well-known Tai Chi teacher, suggesting to do some sort of movement — Qi Gong or gentle stretching — to “open the body” before beginning the short meditation to welcome this seasonal transition.
Being a lazy exerciser, I sometimes leave out the physical exercise part of my day — a hike, or even a short walk; a stretching routine, or even a few loosening-up bends! But on this occasion, with the anticipation of the coming spring’s magical gifts, I really wanted to create the perfect space to call the abundance of Mother Nature into my heart.
Standing beside a beautiful mountain lake — with a soft wind blowing through the surrounding pines and hemlocks — I began with a few Qi Gong movements, lifting my out-stretched arms heavenward. It felt so wonderful to feel my body open — exactly as the teacher promised — and the added delicious feeling of the sun warming me up!
Already more peaceful, I then sat on the grass in the filtered sunlight to enjoy this refreshment of nature and continue the Spring Equinox meditation. As I breathed in the vibrant energy of this blessed place, visualizing the intention I set for this meditative process, I felt my whole body smiling.
I thought how simple “relaxation” can be. Stretching and opening the body also “stretches” and opens the mind and spirit. As I open, I relax; as I relax, I become more available to see and live the pleasures of life instead of indulging in the worries around me. (Why don’t I do it more often? What a fun little ritual this is!)
After finishing the afternoon meditation, and soaking up the sweet peacefulness all around me, I feel the calm settle deep inside me. Thinking something like “but will it last?”, I head off to a friend’s house. And there on the place where for some has become the ultimate repository of profound truths — magnets on the refrigerator door — I read this epistle by an unknown scribe:
“Peace: It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
And there on the spot, I promise myself, once again, that I will begin each day with “calm in my heart.” I will start with some slow stretching just ’cause it feels so good. Then a few minutes of sitting quietly with my eyes closed, letting my noisy thoughts float by while I breathe slowly and deeply into my heart. I’ll imagine putting down roots deep into the Earth to ground me, then find my center in that place in my torso that holds my truth. I will relish the infinitely abundant day to come (no matter the circumstances swirling about) and remember that my inner and outer peace is up to me. One slow, pleasurable stretch; one deep, languid breath; one positive, kind thought at a time.
Topics: Inspiration, Meditation, Stillness & Relaxation, Women's Notes |