Twice a year, the equinox gives us perfect balance between night and day. Autumn begins the winding down and descent into stillness. And six months later, as if to reassure us that all is not lost, spring begins the winding up.The Spring Equinox arrives with a waking energy: a reminder of thought and inspiration, new life budding in nature. The world is ready for warmth and spring rituals. For the Highly Sensitive soul, however, this season of awakening carries in a special energy worthy of its own acclaim.
HSPs and Sensitivity to the Seasons
No matter which season is their favorite, HSPs are particularly sensitive to seasonal characteristics and changes. It’s all part of their deep connection to nature and the cosmos.
While everyone is aware of changes in temperature and length of days, HSPs feel the nuances of those things deeply.
One less minute of daylight-per-day heading into winter is no oversight for the highly sensitive. The same goes for every extra sliver of sunshine in spring.
Some would argue that fall is the best season for HSPs. After all, it comes with built-in excuses to hibernate and indulge the alone-time we HSPs not only crave but ne (It also comes with pumpkin and spice everything.😊 )
Interestingly, the very reasons that fall is beneficial for HSPs can also lead to something called autumn anxiety. This often goes hand-in-hand with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Less daylight leads to a drop in serotonin and mood.
And too much darkness, as during winter in Alaska, disrupts the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Also, approaching holidays can be riddled with social anxiety and expectations, changes in schedules, and melancholy memories. All tough on the sensitive temperament. And there can be a fine line between enjoying pumpkin-latte-and-Hallmark-movies, and depression from isolation.
Fast forward to spring, and the sun’s new lease on life can also have mixed effects on HSPs. Lengthening days (actually the basis for the etymology of spring) restore a sense of life and connection to it. But that buzz of energy can teeter on too-muchness for HSPs, especially introverted HSPs. School lets out, everything is noisier, and activity continues into the late-evening. The flow of energy is outward, not inward. So, as winter prepares to hand the baton to spring, rituals for the highly sensitive soul need to be rooted in balance. We want to honor and nurture the inherent gifts of sensitivity and foster healing where needed.
8 Gentle Spring Rituals for HSPs
While everyone can benefit from the following activities, those with high sensitivity will be more likely to recognize a built in kinship with them. It is, after all, the HSP’s rich inner life that defines his perception of and response to his environment. A ritual or activity does not need to be complex, expensive, or widely attended to have a profound effect on the sensitive soul. The Highly Sensitive Person will bring her own deep processing and empathic nature to bear on even the most humble thing.
Here, then, are 8 gentle ways for HSPs to welcome spring:
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Full-moon drum circle:
If you’ve never experienced the rhythmic channeling of the moon’s energy in a full-moon drum circle, you’ve missed out. The full moon is revered not only for its symbolism and feminine energy, but for its connection to intuition, creativity, and spiritual awakening. (Read here for an in-depth description of full-moon drum circles: their history, meaning, and transformative power.) Whether you drum to the Worm Moon of spring or any of the year’s other moons, this experience is life-changing. And, for the sensitive soul, it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect to the energy of the cosmos.
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Create a spring vision board or journal:
Spring is a time for new life and new goals. Use magazine clippings, photos, letters, and on-hand art supplies to put a visual to your dreams and goals. This is for you, not an audience; so have fun giving your deep yearnings creative expression.
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Visit a botanical garden:
Nothing says spring like an explosion of flora. And nowhere can you find a more intentional cultivation and display of plants than in a botanical garden. Purposefully and strategically designed, meticulously manicured – a botanical garden is the perfect place for a peaceful, inspiring immersion in nature. Go alone, with a fellow-HSP, with your (leashed) canine buddy, or both. Here are 20 of the best in the U.S.
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Shakespeare in the Park:
What started in New York City’s Central Park in the 1950’s can now be experienced all across the US. (It can also be found in English-speaking cities across the globe.) The productions aren’t even limited to urban parks: some are on mountainsides, beaches, and floating barges! Although Shakespeare in the Park productions usually don’t begin until late spring/early summer, they are a seasonal anticipation. As an HSP, you can immerse yourself in a bit of theatrical culture and get your “socializing fix”…without having to actually socialize. The bonus? Tickets are free. -
Take a nature walk for all your senses:
You don’t have to go far from home to immerse yourself in nature. Find a trail, beach, or mountain and walk with all your senses on full alert. Look for colors, shapes, wildlife, movement, changes in light patterns. Listen for the deepest sounds and vibrations you can tune into. Are there birds chirping, animals communicating? Is the wind whistling? Feel your feet grounded to the earth. Pick up a fallen leaf or an interesting stone. Smell the air, the foliage, the sea breeze. Taste a raindrop if it starts to drizzle. Be present. Be mindful. As a spring ritual for the highly sensitive soul, this is a beautiful way to connect to the environment in an intimate way. -
Practice seasonal cooking
There are so many spirit-nurturing reasons to cook and eat seasonally. For one thing, fruits and vegetables are fresher, richer in nutrients, and available in greater varieties when they are in-season. For another, you will help support local farmers and lower your carbon footprint by buying what is in-season. And, as a spring ritual, eating colorful, juicy produce will make you feel more connected to the natural rhythm of the season.
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Book a spa treatment or spa day
Personal services like massages, facials, and manicures/pedicures aren’t just physically nurturing; they also relax the mind and reduce stress. Some people use the change of seasons as their time to indulge in special self-care. As a spring ritual for HSPs, this can be a lovely way to balance mindful alone-time with a tiny bit of interpersonal connection. Worried about the expense? Check Groupon specials and local massage and cosmetology schools. And drop into your local nail salon for a pedicure while reclining in a comfy massage chair. Whatever service(s) you choose as part of your self-care, remember to honor your sensitivity by stating your needs up front. Your service provider will be grateful to know in advance how to best give you an amazing, healing experience.
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Buy your dog a state park pass and start exploring:
This may be one of the best activities for anyone. But, as a spring ritual for HSPs, it’s just loaded with benefits – for both humans and dogs. First of all, animals provide a judgment-free zone. They just want to be with their people – without agenda. In a world where Highly Sensitive People often feel misunderstood, judged, and unaccepted, pets are faithful, non-judgmental companions. They are the perfect source of love, free entertainment, and motivation to get out into nature. And, not surprisingly, animals – dogs included – can also be highly sensitive. For a $20-50 investment, you and your best pal can venture out to state and national parks for an entire year.
So, whether you jump for joy when Daylight Savings Time comes around, or long for sweater weather, seasonal change deserves awareness. And with that awareness come intention and ritual.
The vernal equinox, by its very name, implies balance in terms of lengthening days and renewal.
Balance, gentleness, and self-care are essential for highly sensitive souls looking for ways to welcome spring, The rest of the world may not understand the rituals you choose. But then, as the saying goes, “You’re the only one who has to know.”