Spring Cleansing & Self-care: ALL ARE WELCOME!

Hello March! 

Spring is coming…hopefully. Sheesh it’s crazy out there right now!

It’s March Madness. I kind of think literally madness – and also in the basketball world. 

I don’t know about you, but I am feeling that it is definitely time to reset from the long, cold & dark winter.

Time to cleanse from some of the negative habits that creep in during those dark & cold times. 

Time to renew and open ourselves up to the season change that brings more life, more sun and hopefully…improved health.

My head and heart have been deep in thought about this topic. For my business and supporting my community, for my own personal cleansing…and also I‘ve been thinking a ton about gender differences and different personality types – and how we all may experience (or NOT EXPERIENCE) cleansing and self-care.

Last Friday I sent my dear friend a text, letting her know I was thinking about her on the anniversary of her younger brothers passing. I sent this text while driving to another male friends visitation. He was 43. And all of that was mixed in with conversations this past week with loved ones about men in my orbit who are currently suffering from health issues, both mental & physical. And many of them struggling to talk about their stuff.

These thoughts came with me over the weekend as I was blessed with some much needed (and wanted!) gal time up in Elkhart Lake.

Late Saturday afternoon I sat quietly in an outdoor hot tub, feeling grateful for the facial I just treated myself to.  I sat and stared…which my loved ones will say I do way too often.  But I don’t just stare, I observe. I soak it all in. I looked around me and saw several groups of women recharging together. Having deep conversations. Laughing, crying, indulging!  Friends who, like me, had likely decided to get away for the weekend for some quality time together and some self-care. They intentionally set aside the time for some well deserved and much needed physical & emotional care.

As I stared…I counted 1 male, mixed in with 30+ women throughout the spa. And that guy was with his partner, about to get a couples massage. 

In this moment of observation I was so grateful for my friends. 

So grateful for the time, the support and the means to get away and reset. 

To cleanse. Restore. 

But I was also overwhelmed with sadness. 

What about the people who don’t get to do this? 

Or maybe they choose not to?

And I also couldn’t help but wonder…where are all the men? And how do guys recharge? Do they talk with each other about their struggles? And if they don’t…where does all that shit go?

I fully recognize that gender, personality and socioeconomic differences might guide these self-care decisions. 

It might still be taboo (in 2026!) for a guy to enjoy a spa getaway with other men…or to talk about his feelings.

And regardless of gender, It might not feel right for some of us to indulge when there are so many other things to pay for, to do or to accomplish.

But seriously humans…this shit is important. 

Prevention is important. 

Talking deeply & emotionally with others is important. 

We need to reset. 

We need to talk about our hopes & accomplishments…but also our struggles & challenges.

We simply cannot hold all of that in.

We need to cleanse.

We need to figure out ways to de-stress.

Maybe a spa getaway to recharge…or maybe a safe yoga studio, church or park bench.

We simply cannot hold all of that in.

Our body keeps score. The toxicity comes out eventually.

Please sit with this. 

Ask yourself what you do for prevention? 

For self-care? 

Do you prioritize your annual doctors visits, or has it been 7 years since you’ve been to the dentist?

Do you have someone to talk to…like really talk to?

Do you listen to the messages your body shares with you, or do you ignore, maybe numb yourself and just keep going?

However you identify, whatever your race, religious beliefs or sexual preferences…and whether you are an Enneaagram helper, achiever or investigator… We all deserve to take care of ourselves… and be taken care of!!

So this month as we cleanse, I urge you be honest with yourself. 

Are there any unhealthy habits or behaviors you want to purge, and with that new space could you welcome in some preventative self-care? 

Could you schedule your annual check-up even if nothing is wrong. 

Maybe ask around for that counselor you’ve been meaning to set aside time for.

And as always, I am right there with you. 

I struggle more than many to sit still. Always have.

I work my ass off…But I also set aside time for therapy…with professionals and friends. And not in reaction, mostly in prevention. 

If helpful for any of you, I would like to air my dirty laundry and share some of my self-care practices: 

• I move. I love to walk, run, bike, strength train and…yoga. I try to do something every day.

• I meditate. It’s often more like timed thinking for me – but I try.  

• I see my counselor every 2-3 weeks. Whether I am in crisis or not. 

• I see my physical therapy/massage therapist once a month. Whether I am in pain or not. 

• I see my acupuncturist every month or so. Whether I have anything to complain about or not. 

• I get my blood labs tested every six months and review them with my doctor. Just to make sure everything is ok. 

• I get my teeth cleaned at least twice a year, because it’s important and I usually need floss!

• I get my blind eyes checked once a year, because well…I need to be able to see! 

• I try to get together with friends for tea, dinner or walks & talks as often as my schedule allows. Whether I have time or not. Because we all need the social support. 

All of these things take time and/or cost money, but I tell myself that they are important. That I am important and worth it.

I reach out to my friends and family, because they are important and worth it.

I might have to sacrifice time or other spends to do all of these things, but again…it’s all worth it. 

So as I promote cleansing and resetting during March Madness, I am encouraging all of us, however we identify, to recognize the importance of cleansing and prevention for both physical & emotional health. Review your preventative self-care routine – and if you don’t have one…let’s create one!

Here’s to spring cleansing!!

**Looking for a great way to kick this off…join me in-person (Authentic Birth Center in Tosa) or virtually next weekend (Sunday @ 10am central) for our Seasonal Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy workshop. More info – or Sign-up here!!

**Looking for some suggestions for local practitioners, please reach out. We have so many great helpers in our community!