4 More Shifts Into Spring

A special Nowruz edition Part 2 of 2

Mar 31, 2025

Dear lovely readers,

As a continuation of last week’s reflection, this is Part II, marking the arrival of Spring and the start of Nowruz. It’s a gentle pause from my usual 4 Tiny Ideas + Rituals, a special two-part edition offered as a way to notice the season and begin again, softly. If you missed Part I, you can read it here.

The 4 Tiny Ideas + Rituals weekly letters will return next week.

A few days ago, the earth tilted ever so slightly, bringing us into balance. Day and night became equal. Light began to return.

And this year, it arrived just as Eid did. Another kind of celebration. Another kind of light.

If you’re celebrating today, Eid Mubarak from my home to yours.

Here are a few glimpses from my own table and heart:

These glimpses from Eid stay with me—a reminder of light, gathering, and intention. From that feeling, here are 4 gentle ways to carry the season forward.

1) Cook with Purpose

Make something that matches the pace and energy you are looking for.

Something you choose with intention.

Right now, perhaps you want something comforting. I know I do. (It is cold and rainy in Toronto.)

I am not looking for summer strawberries yet, I just need a slice of cardamom banana bread with a maple glaze right now. With my morning coffee.

I know it’s giving Fall vibes, but this is about what we may need, not what the season dictates.

My banana bread with cardamom and maple glaze

Get my cozy banana bread recipe here

2) Choose What You Want More Of This Season

This season, I’m choosing spaciousness.

Not more tasks, just more room to breathe.

I go to Wychwood Farmer's Market every Saturday morning, and I’ve decided to slow down, buy less, linger longer.

I don’t bring a list.

I’m not there to “stock up.”

What would you like more of right now?

I bought a bunch of these from the market this Saturday

3) Begin One New Habit

Start something small.

I’m trying to drink water in the morning, before I have coffee.

It’s such a tiny shift, but after hours of sleep, I feel my body needs hydration, not caffeine first.

It is just a tiny little reset, but it’s a softer way to wake up.

If this kind of slowness speaks to you, I write more about it in Sukoon, my newsletter on food, light, and memory.

Water, what I need in the morning. A decanter I fell in love with in Paris.

4) Hold a Quiet Hope

Not a goal.

A wish. A feeling. A tiny shift.

Something you see in your mind’s eye, even if it’s far away.

For me, it’s the image of a little atelier; a creative studio that is just mine with colorful carpets from my heritage, raw silk pillows, and the ceramic plates I’ve collected from around the world.

I have a lot of these ceramic dishes. Here I am in my happy place.

And a trip I’ve been dreaming about for years now: a trip for truffle hunting in the Fall with my son, just the two of us.

What’s something you’re quietly hoping for?

I can’t wait to go on that truffle trip with my young man.

May this week’s Nowruz edition Part 2 bring a little beauty + ease to your days. I’ll be back next week with my usual Tiny 4 Ideas + Rituals. And as always, if something here resonates, I’d love to hear from you — just hit reply and share your thoughts. Wishing you a gentle and intentional start to the week ahead.

All love, x Shayma