Winter is officially over, and we’ve made it to the Spring Equinox. Spring represents a time of new beginnings, the rebirth of life and renewed energy. Here are 10 ways you can celebrate the Spring Equinox this year.
1. Take a renewing bubble bath
Self-care is so important during the springtime. Wash away the winter depression with a renewing bubble bath. Light your favorite candle, play some music or watch a comfort movie and use your most luxurious body care products for a DIY spa day. If you want to shop locally and try something new, Cream City Soap Co., Aloekui and Fern & Nettle offer handmade, all natural bath and body products.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Check out a spring-themed book from the library
Spring is the perfect time to pick back up on an old hobby or start a new one. Get into reading this season and pick up a spring-themed book from the Milwaukee Public Library. If you’re looking for some inspiration, this blog suggests a few adult books to help you feel renewed.
3. Take a Spring Equinox hike
Wisconsin is a treasure trove of spring ephemeral plants. These plants are only viewable for a short period of time so, take a hike and see how many you can spot. Johnson’s Nursery, located in Menomonee Falls, put together a list of native spring ephemerals with photos to help you identify each plant. Bonus points if you snap a picture of each one you find!
4. Make a spring cleaning donation
Out with the old and in with the new. Renew your space by making donation boxes for organizations around Milwaukee. The City of Milwaukee website offers a comprehensive list of where to donate and what they’re accepting – everything from clothes to cars!
5. Make seed bombs and a launcher
Parents with little kids – how is the cabin fever going? Follow this fun tutorial from STEAM Powered Family to make seed bombs and a launcher and get into nature this spring. Once the seeds hit the ground, they’ll grow into little wildflower gardens wherever they land. It’s fun for the whole family, and great for the ecosystem.
6. Do some inner spring cleaning with Spring Equinox Mala
Helium Hot Yoga in Bay View is doing a fundraiser event with Milwuakee Riverkeeper on Saturday, March 22 from 1-3 p.m. The session will take you through four yoga salutations dedicated to the earth, the sun, the moon and space to welcome in the spring. All proceeds will go to improving the water quality, wildlife habitats and managing lands in Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic River Watersheds.
7. Go spring bird watching
For many birds, spring marks the time for migration back from the south. Grab some binoculars and head out to your favorite nature spot to look for the early arrivals. If you’re not sure who to look for, check out this list of the top three to see.
8. Participate in a local seed library
The Milwaukee Area Technical College has a local seed library that patrons can “borrow” from every spring to help protect native wildlife and the local ecosystem. The program is free and open to the public. The seed packages include all of the instructions you need to have a successful growing season. To fill out the order form and learn more about the seed library, visit guides.matc.edu/seedlibrary.
9. Create your own equinox alter
Alters provide a space for offerings to this new season and a new chapter of life. Set intentions for the spring by bringing together anything that you feel represents spring time and rebirth. Some suggestions include: flowers, soil, items in a spring time color and egg shaped crystals. For inspiration on how to build one, visit spiritnest.com/blogs/news/how-to-set-up-an-altar-for-spring.
10. Get outside and enjoy nature
If you’re running short on time, or aren’t quite feeling the spring time burst of energy, you can simply go outside and touch some grass. Maybe you even take off your shoes, wiggle your toes in it and ground yourself. You’ve made it through another winter!
