From Deep Rest to Inspired Action: Moving Through Seasonal Shifts

As we enter the Months of March and April in the United States, this time of year seems like winter and spring are in an ongoing custody battle. One day, it’s warm, birds are chirping, and you’re ready to emerge from hibernation like a radiant butterfly. The next, you’re back in your hoodie, clutching a hot beverage. Seasonal shifts are weird.

Winter invites us to slow down, rest, and turn inward—which sounds great in theory. But for many of us, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, especially if we’ve been conditioned to constantly be on the move. Then, just as we start getting cozy in that slower rhythm, Spring knocks on the door, and your Instagram feed is filled with “new beginnings” energy, demanding that we get up and start blossoming. No pressure, right?

Transitioning from rest to action doesn’t have to be abrupt or overwhelming. For those healing from trauma, navigating burnout, or just feeling like a reluctant plant that’s not quite ready to sprout, moving into spring requires ease, patience, and a whole lot of self-compassion.

Why Seasonal Shifts Feel So Intense

It’s not just in your head—our bodies feel these transitions deeply. Winter is when our nervous system naturally leans toward rest and conservation. Spring, on the other hand, is an energetic shift toward growth, movement, and outward expression. If we don’t transition gradually, it can feel like going from a deep sleep to running a marathon—disorienting and exhausting.

Instead of forcing yourself into “spring mode” overnight, think of this shift like a sunrise—gradual, gentle, and honoring the process.

How to Move from Rest to Action with Ease (Not Force)

1. Start with Gentle, Somatic Movement. Before you go from couch potato to sprinting toward your goals, let’s wake the body up gently. Somatic movement (small, intuitive movements that release stored tension) is a great way to transition from deep rest without shocking your system.

Here’s a simple Morning Awakening Flow:

Seated Rocking: Sit comfortably, rock side to side, and notice how your body wants to move.

Spinal Undulations: Seated or on all fours, let your spine ripple, finding natural waves of motion.

Reclined Knee Sways: Lying down, drop knees side to side to open up the lower back and hips.

Shoulder Shrugs & Neck Rolls: Invite in softness, releasing winter stiffness.

This isn’t about “working out.” It’s about waking up your body with kindness.

2. Use Breathwork to Reignite Energy. If you’ve been in winter mode for a while, your breath might still be short, shallow, or stuck. Try this Balanced Breathwork Sequence to gently stimulate energy without feeling overstimulated:

Sama Vritti (Equal Breath)– Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts.

Expanding Breath – Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4.- DO NOT PRACTICE IF PREGNANT

Lion’s Breath – Inhale deeply, exhale with a sigh (or a roar if you’re feeling extra). (Releases stagnation.)

3. Embrace “Soft Productivity” Spring energy loves goals, fresh starts, and movement—but that doesn’t mean you need to hustle at full speed. Instead of forcing yourself into action, try soft productivity:

Set intentions, not pressure-packed goals. Instead of “I need to do XYZ immediately,” try “I’d love to explore this at my own pace.”🌸 Take aligned action. Not all movement is forward. Sometimes, deepening into your practice or making space for inspiration is the action.🌸 Listen to your energy cycles. Not every day will be high-energy. Work with your natural rhythm, not against it.

Honor Your Own Timing

Nature doesn’t rush, and neither should you. Some flowers bloom early, some take their time, but they all bloom when they’re ready. If you’re still in winter mode, that’s okay. If you’re feeling the first sparks of spring energy, honor that too. The goal is to transition with ease, not force.

So, whether you’re still in full hibernation or feeling ready to step into new beginnings, trust that you are right on time. 

Namaste,

Skye