Spring is a time of regeneration and growth. All around us, nature is moving out of the hibernation of winter and into a state of vibrancy and brilliance! It can be easy to let this time float by, practically unnoticed, if you are busy and live in an urban area. Remember that nature is never very far out of your reach, and it is important to create a
connection with the world around you.

Allow the vigor of spring to inspire you to enter into a state of renewal yourself. Commit to making the time to venture outside and take pleasure in the simple things: the cool breeze, the electrifying greenness, the radiant wildflowers, and how good it feels to move. Some of my happiest and most fulfilling times are spent on the trails of our local parks and open spaces.

The first gift is that of exercise. Start by taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying the oak leaf buds, the birds, and the lupines. As you continue, increase your distance and intensity to the point of breaking a sweat and getting out of breath. Start choosing the paths that lead you up hills and around bends. Look for more strenuous and rewarding hikes. Challenge yourself!

Trail walking and running works more muscles in your body than running on pavement or at the gym. The terrain is uneven, so it recruits your abdominal and back muscles (among many others) to stabilize you. Your brain is also working because you have to plan your strategy around rocks and plants so that you don’t trip. Sure beats the monotony of the treadmill!

Beyond the physical benefits of hiking are the emotional and spiritual gifts as well. I get some of my best thinking done on the trail. That’s not to mention the extreme stress relief I experience from being in a beautiful, quiet place surrounded by abundant life. I’m telling you… its addictive!

Take the opportunity that the change in seasons provides! Inspiration is yours for the claiming!
 
 
 
China Rose Zamora is a functional nutritional therapist, clinical herbalist, and yoga teacher who has worked in the holistic health field since 1998 and has proudly served her community as China Rose Wellness since 2009. When she’s not coaching women to rise to their health potential, practicing herbal alchemy, traveling the country via mobile tiny house teaching inspirational workshops to demystify wellness, or co-facilitating transformational retreats with AJ, her-eco warrior partner in adventure, you can find her meandering on the nearest hiking trail or jammin’ at a local, live music venue. China Rose is a firm believer that wellness encompasses everything that nourishes us, body & soul!