Spring Blessings to you all
Its a magical time of our year; one that symbolises great power in nature and a time that has a wonderful influence and effect on us all.
We start to really feel our energy levels rise again after wintering. A season that brings thoughts of action and new opportunities on so many levels.
So now that Winter has passed, you can turn your thoughts to where you are, who you are and move towards where you are going.
You can start this process by assisting the liver and gallbladder. Both may have been working a little bit of overtime during the colder winter months. Often being overloaded simply by seasonal and lifestyle changes such as slightly heavier winter warming foods, maybe extra socialising or not being as active as you are at other times.
We can look to our practice to both assist and facilitate, awaken, gather and enjoy drawing upon Springs generous energy.
You can bring into your practice some Arm Balances, Core Cultivation, standing Hip Openers and Activation to include some Dynamic Poses before exploring some Heating Inversions to compliment the internal cleansing of equally heat inducing Pranayama. A perfect opportunity to experiment with a feeling of new strength that has developed within from winters rest!
Look to deepen your relationship with poses such as pigeon, Eagle and Wide Leg Forward Bends, maybe even Cow Face Pose. They all help to activate the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians.
A lovely Cleansing for the Respiratory System you can bring in now is to sit comfortably for a few moments, settle and root into your sitting bones while bringing length to your spine . have your mouth closed as you breathe in and out through your nose for a few moments to your bodies natural rhythm, then inhale deeply and pinch gently both nostrils closed as you imagine trying to blow your nose with a very gentle pressure on an exhalation for about five seconds, keeping the nose and mouth closed. Release nostrils and breathe to your normal pattern for a breath or two then repeat. You can have your eyes closed if you wish to induce a lovely feeling of relaxation too.
A few seasonal suggestions as you also consider bringing into your diets Immune Boosting Ginger, Wild Garlic, Beetroot, Kale, Asparagus, Avocados, Broad Beans, Carrots, Celariac and Aubergines to name but a few!
As we strike a balance between Yin and Yang and look to Spring Cleansing – maybe of stagnant energy that has accumulated over winter, we can also enjoy some more floral based teas at this time such as Chamomile or Rose and Hibiscus. Use lots of lovely herbs in your cooking such as Coriander, Cardamon, Cumin, Basil and Sweet Basil.
If you like to use pure essential oils, two which are perfect for now, both uplifting but equally calming are Lavender and Frankincense.
The above are all recommendations, please trust your own instincts, make sure you seek any advice if you are not sure and adhere to any contra indications you may have (for example, if you suffer with nose bleeds, for breathing techniques).
Practice with care and above all. listen to your body.
We focus on the element of Wood during this time, its represents beautifully a time for growth, expansion and buoyancy. Just like the seeds that have been lying dormant in the earth during winter, conserving reserves, in Springtime, they bounds forward with new intent to bring life to our truly wonderful planet.
I don’t know anything about certainty or being sure or steadiness in this unforgiving world but I do know about seasons, especially Spring!
Spring always comes again!
Soften into the world around you. Allow the air and earth to heal, revive, rejuvenate and re-awaken. Rock yourself into scents, sights and rhythms. Feel soothed and ready!
Enjoy and drink in every moment of this very special time.
Please be in touch, I love to hear about your journeys, practice and where you are right now.
I am hosting a Spring Yoga Retreat, details already in the ‘Retreats” section, so please take a look. Places are limited. I welcome in day attendees too if you can’t commit to a whole weekend.
I will be back to ‘Yoga in the Park’ when the weather warms us a little more, I will post out as and when.
I will also look to hosting in my garden through the summer, my own studio ‘The Yoga Loft’ plus any upcoming Workshops and Events, as well as my weekly regular classes, so watch this space!
Blossom and Bloom dear friends. I look very forward to seeing you all on your mats.
Love Susan x
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