April 2025

Spring Awakening

04/11/2025

Spring Awakening and Supporting Wellness

You know that feeling after a rough illness where all you can do is sleep and rest and trust that your body is doing the healing work? And then one day you awaken and feel alive once again? Suddenly, magically, you feel better, more alert, more energized? You may need to take it slow for a bit and allow your strength to return. That is the feeling of Spring to me. This time of year, when the birds are singing loudly and enthusiastically seeking their mates and building nests, when bulbs are sprouting and peeking out of the ground, leaves are budding on trees, and early spring flowers arrive to feed the first insects to emerge. The beings of the Earth are awakening from a long hard sleep, groggy at first, they peek out, warm up, and come back to life!

I have a chronic illness that plays this scene over and over for me throughout the year. I may awaken with energy, thinking this day is my oyster, but within an hour or two feel ready to tuck in for a long winter’s nap. Some days I make it all the way from that Spring awakening to some Summer accomplishments before I feel the need to lay back down and hibernate for a bit. Occasionally, if I rest properly, and the stars are aligned, I might even get a second wind later in the day. I have learned to pace my energy (mostly) and not overdo it unless I know I have some time for recovery.

I have (mostly) embraced this pace of “Slow Time,” and learned to find peace and enjoyment in the little things like sitting quietly in nature watching the seasons unfold. I prefer to think I am supporting my wellness and not my illness. I have had phases in my life of busyness - the intensity of veterinary school, working in veterinary practices with non-stop emergency work, raising children, traveling and lecturing,…I have done a lot and I am quite satisfied with all of it. I have learned and stretched my understanding and perspectives, seen and assisted people grappling with care of their animals and their families through difficult times of all shapes and sizes. I am grateful to my many mentors in all forms- animal, plant, child, and elder…and virus. Yep, I am grateful for what my illnesses have taught me as much as I am grateful for my wellness. Life is a continuing cycle of awakening and rest, ideas, accomplishment, and reflection. My path may be moving more slowly now, but I revel in the growth and lessons to come.

Welcome Spring!

My courses are inspired by this feeling of taking the slow road, breathing the air, awakening the senses, and exploring the healing gifts of the natural world. I have been on this nature connection path for most of my life and enjoy this opportunity to share it with you.

Kris August

Celebrating the Interconnectedness of Life

Spring Awakening

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