Prayers and Practices for Spring: Awakening Movement

I once led a retreat on the Jersey shore. This particular weekend the sun came out bright and the temperature rose, and during our first session Saturday morning I announced that I would allow retreatants plenty of outdoor time. When we came to our lengthy break in the afternoon, I could see women heading off in all directions, most of them wearing good walking shoes. I, too, spent the two hours walking—it felt so good after weeks of darkness before and after the workday, when most walking I did was indoors on an elliptical trainer.

Spring invites movement. The weather is easier on the body and on the psyche, and suddenly we have more energy to take out along a path and not worry so much about how long it will take to return.

We notice more movement in general. Birds return and begin singing at dawn. By the time we’re on our way into the day, they are flitting all over yards, tree branches, bushes, and sidewalks. House pets uncurl themselves from their cozy cushions and corners and hanker for that back door to open. Adults and kids hang around more outdoors and walk, bike or skateboard, play ball, or meander from one home to another.

• How do you transition physically from winter to spring? Are there outdoor activities that you begin when the weather allows it? Are there certain events your family uses to mark the end of winter?
• How might you incorporate more movement into your prayer?