3 Things You Should Know About the Spring Equinox

Today is the Spring Equinox, one of the four major shifts of the Earth in its annual rotation around the sun.

In the northern hemisphere, today marks the shift from winter into spring. At the Equinox, the day and night are equal in length. From now until the summer solstice, the days will grow longer.

We are officially entering the season of rebirth and renewal. Nature begins to wake up from the slumber of winter, moving from the darkness into the light.

Birds chirp. Leaves emerge. Sprouts sprout. Flowers bloom.

As in nature, so too in life.

Spring brings the energy of new things. This time of year brings a breath of fresh air, as we reopen to the elements after a winter huddled inside. With the fresh breeze of spring we find energy and motivation for new things: ideas, projects, mindsets, beliefs, relationships, rituals.

This is an exciting time for starting fresh.

Before you burst out of the starting gate, here are three concepts to guide you as we shift into the new season.

(1) Nature Does Not Produce #InstaResults

Nature does not flip a switch. In New York City, we are bracing for another winter storm. It does not feel like spring yet. We will likely need heavy coats and boots for another few weeks. Flowers and leaves are not yet blooming.

This is part of the process.

The shift from darkness into light occurs gradually. It is often imperceptible to us as we watch it. But at some point we will look up and feel the Spring.

Like nature, our new actions and projects emerge into being, they don’t appear overnight. Like the new moon, we begin while still in the darkness.

(2) Creation Begins in Darkness

Creation begins in darkness; out of view or beneath the surface.

The moon is invisible to us as it begins its journey.

A seed takes root underground, slowly expanding until the sprout pops out. It continues to grow under the soil before it emerges above the earth.

A baby grows in the darkness of her mother’s womb for months before emerging into the world.

As in nature, so too in life: sustainable, lasting creations — of every form — begin with long periods of work that take place out of the public view.

(3) The First Step to Emergence is Stillness

Spring is a season of action and implementation. But the first action to take is no action.

Equinox provides the perfect moment to pause and reflect. The energetic shifts at Equinox invite us to go within and find stillness before emerging into the light.

Retreat from action, stop the noise, and listen to your own inner voice. Create the space within yourself to recharge and renew your resources.

This is the original intent of taking a “spring break.”

Emerge into Spring

Nature emerges slowly and gradually. These m moments of seasonal change remind us that there’s no need to rush.

Slow down. Take your time. Be in stillness. Remember that in these dark moments just before emergence, you are actually closest to your source of light.

Before you know it, Spring will be in full force.