Nowruz Mobarak!

This past weekend was Spring Equinox. It was also a special holiday that we celebrate in our little family. It is the Persian New Year, Nowruz(also novruz, nowruz, nauruz and newroz. norooz).It is a time of year for community, reflection, cleaning, starting over, and healing. I loved this piece I read about Nowruz recently:

Nowruz is less about a single day than a general celebration of being able to wipe away the dust, grime, and sadness of the old in order to start anew. It’s about closing the door on one chapter and turning the page to the next one with excitement instead of trepidation. It’s about the endless possibilities that come with a blank slate.

The hope of being able to start new, and better, is about as universal as they come — which might explain why Nowruz hasn’t just survived through generation upon generation of tumult and prosperity alike, but thrived.

Nowruz is a combination of words نو now—meaning "new"—and روز ruz—meaning "day".  A time where you deep clean your apartment, visit your friends and family, and create your haft seen:

• sabze — sprouts (grass) : renewal

• Samanu — sweet pudding : affluence

• Senjed — Persian olive : love

• Serke — vinegar : patience

• Sib —Apple : beauty

• Sir — garlic : health

• Sumac — Persian spice : sunrise

The table may include a mirror (reflection), candles(enlightenment), painted eggs(fertility), goldfish(life), coins (prosperity), hyacinth(Spring), and traditional sweets(sweetness). A book of wisdom or poetry (faith and heritage)is often included. We were lucky enough to have a virtual Nowruz party and “see” some friends.

During this time of doors opening and closing, starting over, and figuring out how to teach ballet online in one week, I investigated the Greek God: Janus. Seems appropriate for this moment we are all collectively sharing. Spring has sprung, new beginnings, and challenging transitions are upon us. I’ve always been terrible at accepting change and going with the flow; “slowing my roll” as Deborah once told me, is not part of my natural constitution. This has been a time for me to clean out my closet, connect with friends, start healing, and trying to accept my (un)changing landscape. I’m gonna need a LOT of serke and an inner Janus to get me through it—here’s to hoping we all survive these tumultuous situations and thrive. How are you thriving in this moment?

Recipe of the week: A traditional salad for Nowruz

advise is a traditional Persian spice you can omit.

A quick yogic pick me up!

Here is a simple but effective meditation you can do any time, any where and no one will know you are doing anything extraordinary.  

Sit in simple cross-legged pose or in a chair with your spine straight, both feet flat against the floor. There is no specific mudra for this meditation. You may rest your hands in your lap or try gyan mudra.

Take a deep inhale. Suspend the breath and mentally vibrate: 

I am bountiful, I am beautiful, I am blissful.

Exhale completely and with the breath held out, mentally vibrate:

Excel, excel, fearless. 

Continue for three minutes.  

This quick and easy meditation slows the breath which calms the mind. At the same time, the positive affirmation reconnects you with your inner strength and the tremendous untapped potential within you. The best part, you really can practice this meditation anywhere: on the tube, at your desk at work, in the park, and of course on your yoga mat. Try it and share your experience with us!

You can find this meditation in Success and Spirit by Yogi Bhajan and edited by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa (2011). It also appears in Yoga for Prosperity by Siri Kirpal Kaur Khalsa (2002).