Spring carries all sorts of symbolism around new growth and shedding old habits. Ancient philosophies and modern holistic medicine all look to spring as a time to cleanse away the winter and prepare for the energy and growth of summertime.
Whether you ascribe to the health and wellness ideas behind these practices or just have a tradition of engaging in some form of spring cleaning each year, we’ve compiled a list of local organizations and opportunities ready to support your spring cleaning goals.
Spring Clean Your Diet
On April 29, the downtown Community Food Co-op hosts Sara Southerland, a local holistic health coach, to teach a class called “Spring Clean With Raw and Healing Foods.”
In the class, Southerland will give a sprouting demonstration and lead participants through five different recipes. The class is centered around recipes that align with the transition of the seasons and support people’s health as we move into spring, Southerland says.
“I love the transition of the seasons, because in winter we’re eating heavier, more comforting foods, and as we transition it’s a really good chance to give our bodies fresh, alive greens and foods that support the newness all around and spark our energy,” she says. “I’m excited to help give people practical tools and delicious recipes to do just that.”
One goal of a dietary cleanse – consciously cutting out certain foods for a short period of time – is to cut the digestive system some slack, says Southerland.
“Our digestion is working so hard all of the time, so to give our digestion a break through eating nourishing foods that are easy to digest means giving our bodies the chance to catch up,” she says.
With that in mind, Southerland offers a few tips for people looking to incorporate seasonal and nutritious eating into their lives. She suggests going to the farmer’s market to see what kinds of produce is in season locally and exploring new recipes you really enjoy.
“If you’re eating something that feels like a chore, that’s not going to be sustainable,” she says.
To register for Southerland’s class go here.
Spring Clean Your Mind and Body
During April and May, local massage therapist and yoga teacher, Megan Sherman, is offering a spring renewal yoga series at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center.
The classes are focused on working with the breath and balance, building stability and moving mindfully.
“I see it as getting our bodies in alignment with what’s happening in nature,” Sherman says. “As everything is pulsing with life, it can be completely energizing and also totally overwhelming, so if we support our bodies with mindful movement and transition time from winter, it helps reduce stress, prevent injury and increase our capacity for joy.”
The series strikes a balance between strengthening and detoxifying, Sherman says. Practicing yoga is a great way to clear physical or mental cobwebs that may have collected over the winter, and instead set strong and healthy movement patterns.
“I see that when we find new movement patterns, it works so beautifully to open things up in other areas of our lives,” Sherman says.
Sherman has done massage and bodywork for 16 years, and incorporates that knowledge into her yoga classes. The classes are open to anyone. “Stylish yoga attire is not required and all bodies are welcome,” says Sherman.
The classes are from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Wednesday, April 10
Wednesday, April 17
Thursday, April 25
Skip a week
Wednesday, May 8
Wednesday, May 15
Thursday, May 23
Outside of a yoga class, moving mindfully is something anyone can do on their own, Sherman says. She suggests taking a few minutes right when you wake up and right before you go to sleep to lie on the floor and mindfully rest your body.
“To me, it’s like movement hygiene, like brushing your teeth – just those couple minutes at the beginning and end of the day, and then over a couple weeks you’ll notice your body can move with more coherence. It’s really amazing,” Sherman says.
Spring Clean Your House
Sometimes, spring cleaning means capitalizing on the nice weather to do some home-improvement projects. Whether you’re in need of building materials or find yourself with used materials after a project, the RE Store might be the place to start.
The RE Store, a program of the nonprofit RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, sells reclaimed building materials to the community at reduced costs to divert usable resources from landfills.
“We believe there’s inherent value in that material [material normally thrown away], even if you don’t see that or have a want for it,” says Samantha Hale, marketing and outreach manager for the RE Store. “By keeping materials out of the landfill, we’re helping to reduce the strain on the earth and the natural resources in our area.”
The RE Store also provides on-the-job training opportunities; all RE Store sales benefit their programs.
“Everything we do is for the community, and by shopping or donating at a community organization, you’re helping to provide needed materials for your neighbors,” Hale says.
The RE Store accepts donations of usable building materials and home furnishings. To see a list of accepted materials, visit their website.
Spring Clean Your Community
Throughout April, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, or NSEA, offers four chances to participate in one of their work parties. Usually on Saturdays and about three hours long, the work parties gather volunteers to pull invasive weeds and plant native plants with the goal of improving habitat for salmon and other native animals.
“The work parties are a whole lot of fun,” says Kate Underwood, the finance and office manager for NSEA. “It’s a great way to make a difference, and it’s a good opportunity to get kids hooked on stewardship of the environment too.”
The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department also offers opportunities throughout the spring to get outside and help steward the city’s parks and paths. To see a whole list of dates, visit their volunteer page.
