MINDFULNESS OF SPRING
The warm sunlight of Spring has emerged again and our invitation to connect to nature feels gloriously inevitable. Getting to live in Sonoma is something special– a haven, if you will, of rolling hills caressed by glimmers of gold, lush vineyards, vibrant colors of blooming wildflowers and fruit trees. Abundant sustainable farming, the forests, meadows, rivers and the Pacific Ocean coastline…all a calling card to explore the natural beauty of this region. Our mindful approach comes with the desire to reawaken and re-energize with longer, brighter days. We thoughtfully journey outdoors to be more active, healthy and conscious of how we recharge our mind and bodies. Where ever you are, there is a calling to embrace this season. Let’s breathe into that for a moment.
Mindfulness supports the significance of our ability to align our daily rhythms with the seasons. Sonoma’s sun-drenched mornings offer a precious gift –the first light of day. I appreciate the research by neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman, who says “light viewing early in the day is the foundational power tool for wakefulness throughout the day and ensuring a great night’s sleep”. My husband is awesome about swinging the door open and standing on the deck to grab that morning light first thing. I love to get my youngest daughter out for a stroller ride or walk as soon as I can. Basking in this morning glow not only nourishes the body with vitamin D but also harmonizes our circadian rhythm. Feeling the gentle warmth of light on our skin becomes a form of meditation, grounding us in the present moment and if you can snag it before that morning caffeine fix, it’s even more supportive.
Stunning landscapes, a temperate climate, the yearning to experience something new is right at our fingertips here in Sonoma, enticing us to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Can you feel my subtle invitation for you to visit us here? Whether it’s a leisurely bike ride through the valley, a family hike along the Sonoma Coast, a scenic yoga session, taking a horse trail ride through historic vineyards or exploring somewhere nearby, outside of your usual routine, there are so many fun ways to make the most out of Springs healing powers. The physical benefits of being active outside can improve our cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of many chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and even heart disease. I know for me, sprinkling in that connection to nature provides an extra health boost by relieving stress and anxiety which can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being.
The importance of such activities resonates deeply with me as a yoga practitioner and my desire to promote physical vitality and mental clarity everywhere I teach. It’s also a fact that I barely wore shoes as a kid, played outside every chance I got and have always had an appreciation for the unbounded beauty of Mother Earth. I believe we are all becoming more attuned to the benefits of powering down diligently with our devices and hopefully finding ourselves more and more committed to doing so. It’s a conscious choice to lean into how we cultivate more moments of commune with nature to rejuvenate the body and mind but also still the mind, creating space for inner reflection and serenity. I find this to be indispensable to model and encourage for our youth and essential for our souls to flourish.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -”
We have the valuable offerings of organically grown foods, farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets brimming with locally sourced produce and vineyards practicing sustainable agriculture. We’re immersed in a community of thoughtful practices that should be a celebration of nature’s abundance. Let these too be the places we support as consumers and show appreciation for these great efforts being made to nourish our community responsibility. I love a good Spring menu and rotation of ingredients based on what’s in season and thriving. I’m in awe of my husband for making a beautiful garden with our daughters in our backyard where we get to harvest our own fruits and vegetables from. A true delight, I highly recommend doing it if you have the time and space.
Spring is the season for renewal and growth and a time to embrace a life that can be in harmony with nature. Let us indulge in the organic delights, run wild in outdoor adventures, and bask in the morning light as we joyfully connect deeper to ourselves, our sanctuary here in Sonoma and the world around us. May all that is blooming in nature be aligned with what’s blooming within us. We can choose to mindfully use this season to recharge and set ourselves up for a healthier and more fulfilling year ahead.
This article was published with The Social Publication –Sonoma April 2024 Issue.
If you do plan a trip to Sonoma, take a peek at our Airbnb listings… My husband has an eye for beautiful aesthetics and simplicity. We’ve been super hosts for the past 8 years and love welcoming guests to stay with us. Our properties have been featured in Dwell Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and Sunset Magazine.
Thank you for stopping by,
XOXO Andrea