The Prep Before The Party: A Different Look at March and the Anticipation of Spring

Many of us look forward to March as we welcome the change of seasons and celebrate the start of Spring. In eager anticipation of this joyful transition, we often overlook a more pensive period that often aligns prior to, or during the beginning of Spring - a time of preparation and introspection marked by some significant religious observances. Whether or not you practice a particular religion, these traditions offer recommendations and tools that can be applied to anyone's spiritual journey.

In the Christian faith, the season of Lent begins in early March this year and carries on throughout the month into mid-April. In the Islamic faith, Ramadan is also being observed throughout the month of March 2025. Both religious seasons share customs of fasting and abstinence, prayer and self-study, and generous deeds and acts of charity. These practices are performed with the intention of increasing piety, strengthening our relationship with God, and purifying and renewing our souls.

These religious traditions closely mirror some of the spiritual observances practiced in Yoga. One the limbs of Patanjali's "Eight Limbs of Yoga" is the Niyamas, which are five principles for personal and spiritual growth and habits for healthy living and overall well-being. Three of the five Niyamas include Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine), which all encourage a deeper look inward. We are called to spend time exploring ourselves - noticing where we can improve or grow, and what can be restored, repaired, or released in our lives.

Isn't that what life's about? Aren't we all on this journey to be our best selves, find true peace and happiness, and live our life to the fullest, sharing our light with the world? Well that requires regular and repeated work on ourselves. These marked seasons of self-study and introspection can be a wonderful and welcomed opportunity for growth.

So what can this look like for our own spiritual journey? How can we practice some of these mindfulness techniques, spiritual strengtheners, and personal growth this season? Here are a few ideas...

• Meditate and reflect - It is often said that praying to talking to our higher power, while meditating is listening. Take time to be still and listen. Notice what occupies your thoughts and weighs on your heart. Reflect on where you are, where you want to be, and your heart's true desires.

  
  

• Journal - Using journal prompts can be especially helpful to promote introspection, such as "I believe I can..." or "I need to stop doing X and start doing X...".

  • Find secular journal prompts for self-discovery HERE.

  • Find journal prompts inspired and associated with Lent HERE.

  
  

• Connect with the Divine - Take time to commune with God or connect with something larger than yourself, whether through increased prayer, reading scripture, religious, or spiritual texts, attending services, spending time in nature, or practicing gratitude.

  
  

• Practice fasting or abstinence - Perhaps give up something you enjoy, whether it's your daily Starbucks or your favorite TV show. To fast or abstain simply means to go without. What can you take a break from or sacrifice as a practice in discipline? When you think about or crave this item, instead of indulging, try to turn towards something positive - a prayer or intention, an affirmation, a statement of gratitude, sending love and energy to someone, etc.

  
  

• Withdraw and spend time alone - You don't have to be a recluse, but perhaps create a little more "me-time". Decrease some of your socializing to spend more time with yourself. Spending time on your mat is a great way to connect with yourself - mind, body, and soul.

  
  

• Right a wrong - Reflect on areas in your life where you need to make amends, ask for forgiveness, repair relationships, or build bridges. Part of our journey moving and growing forward is healing areas in our past that need mending, and reconciling our mistakes.

  
  

• Give back - This is a good practice in karma. You get what you give. Spend your time, talents, energy, and even money, giving to others, particularly those in need. To purify the soul, we must also share our light with the world.

In addition to these observances being opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, they are also seasons of great HOPE! The season of Lent ends with the promise of the Resurrection and everlasting life with Easter. Ramadan concludes with Eid-al-Fitr, the festival celebrating the breaking of the fast and the strengthened relationship with God through the gifts and lessons of the past month. Likewise, the season of winter ends with the Spring Equinox, a time of renewal and rebirth! When we make an effort to work on ourselves, we inspire hope for our best life, and becoming closer to our truest selves. Spending time preparing for these celebrations by drawing inwards through introspection and self-study allows us to have a deeper appreciation and greater joy for the gifts and transformation of the season that follows.