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Monday, Apr 01, 2019 A Message from Marydale – April 2019

Greetings!

After a cold, wet winter, our precious Earth is bursting forth all around us with displays of grandeur and delight that we have not witnessed for quite some time, from hidden waterfalls and blankets of wildflowers to dancing leaves of every imaginable shade of green sparkling and shining in the soft April sun. We are witnessing the gifts that are rejuvenated through deep hydration of the land, at long last. Plus, an added bonus showed up right on cue to dazzle us as we witnessed the amazing renaissance of hundreds of thousands of painted lady (or cosmopolitan) butterflies moving through our world as they majestically and courageously made their way toward an environment that will sustain them for generations to come. What a wonder!

Since winter was unusually cold and damp, chances are that you have experienced more sluggishness than usual. Now that we have more light, warmth, and brightness, it’s time to allow the thickness of winter to soften, making space in our minds, bodies, hearts, and Spirits to be able to literally lighten up.

Savor springtime by simplifying your life to include only those things that truly revitalize you. When we’re over-stimulated, we experience the same problems emotionally and neurologically that we do if we overeat—we get filled beyond our capacity, to the point of weakening the entire system. The remedy, in simple terms, is to take a healthy break from over-stimulation and seek periods of peace, quiet and calm.

To assist in shedding your heavy winter coat, so to speak, try these easy-to-incorporate habits each day:

  • Wake with the sun. Dawn is ruled by light, clarity, and subtleness.
  • Move your body. Walk outside for twenty minutes—no matter what.
  • Do your asana practice daily or at least several times a week.
  • Eat lighter foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent, including kale, collards, dandelion, spinach, and mustard greens; strawberries, cherries, and blueberries; fresh green peas; and barley, quinoa, and millet.
  • Do some spring cleaning in your environment—let go of all extra stuff that no longer serves you and has you clogged up.

Less is truly more as you make space in every aspect of who you are for Spirit to flow into you and through you with each breath. Give yourself that space – you deserve it. Be Light, be clean, be lean – ‘tis the season.

As Earth Day approaches, remember to be sensitive to the fact that each one of us holds stewardship for the protection and upliftment of our extraordinary home. Offer your service to love, protect and care for her in small ways, each and every day. And be reminded that with the change of each season comes the opportunity to recommit yourself to your Spiritual practice, whatever it may be, to live in constant harmony with the Divine and live in the perpetual flow of goodness for you and all. Celebrate your life, for it is brief and will never come again. Blessings to you and yours in springtime and always.

Love, Love, Love,

Marydale Signature
 
 
“Just as we light lamps in our homes, let our body-houses be decorated with light. In every door of the body house, the sense organs, the inner chamber of the heart, the mind, let our lives be filled with knowledge, love, and actions that make our lives beautiful and productive.

During this time, let us all pray for world peace by cultivating inner peace, compassion, and lives of service.”

— Paramahamsa Prajnanananda