 |
| Pear Blossoms |
Coming out of our winter funk is always a bit of a challenge. Many of us notice our Spring clothes are a bit tighter, our movements slower and our food does not support the warmer weather.
3 Ways to Put Some SPRING into Your Yoga Practice:
1. Start moving more. Whether you are walking, biking, swimming, or adding some more rigor to your yoga practice, now is the time. The human body was meant to move. Many of us have sedentary lives. Small amounts of regular, gentle exercise is best. You might check out my 7-minute video to get your blood pumping.
2. Start to lighten up your diet. Notice which foods you are attracted to. This is the time to do a Spring cleanse, eat raw fruit and vegetables, and let go of the foods that weigh you down literally and figuratively. Check out my post on Eating Clean for more ideas.
3. Take up a breathing practice or grow the one you are working on. You might add pranayama (breath work) into your asana practice. I suggest Ujjayi (oo ji e) breathing, which is energizing and a bit warming.
Start by placing your hand in front of your mouth.
Breathe into your palm as if you're fogging a mirror. Now, take your hand away and continue to breathe in that manner. You can begin by using Ujjayi on your exhale and then add in the inhale as you feel more comfortable. As with any yogic practice, it is best to receive instruction from a certified instructor.
A breathing practice can also be developed through chanting. You might work with a mantra (usually we get these from a teacher), but you can use one you resonate with from reputable source. You might start with the sound Om or another favorite of mine is the sound Ah. See which feels best in your body and mind.
Either of these practices will help to lengthen your breath and increase your energy level.
If you're in Salt Lake, you might consider checking out an Introduction to Desire Mapping with me this Saturday, March 28 from 1-4 pm at Mindful Yoga Collective.
I'd love to hear how you do with any of these practices.
#Happy Spring!
Though we have 4
seasons here in parts of the US and other parts of the world, Ayurveda generally
considers three. They are based on the qualities of the seasons which
are most closely linked to the doshas or constitutional principles.
The
three doshas- vata, made of the elements air and space (also known as
ether) has cold, dry and windy qualities and depicts Fall to Winter;
kapha, made of the elements earth and water has moist, dense, and
sluggish qualities and defines winter to spring; and pitta, made up of
fire and water, has sharp, hot, and oily qualities which depicts spring
into summer. There are other qualities and I am simplifying, yet I think you will all get the picture.
In Utah we are completely into Spring and will soon move into Summer. We experienced the waking up from winter, the necessary cleansing and now we make sure that we are prepared to move into a hot, dry Summer. Of course, all of my suggestions will depend upon your personal constitution and your general health. Take this test to find out.
What can you do?
- eat locally grown,organic foods that are coming into season
- my sprouts are going crazy right now as are my son's strawberries
- eat lighter than in the winter and now you can eat cooler foods (like salads)
- continue with your morning and evening routines although some of you will wake up earlier with the sun and stay up a bit later
- begin with warm water with lemon, brush teeth, scrape tongue
- neti pot (nasal wash) with sterile, gently salted water helps to lessen allergic reactions
- be sure to still use your oil in your nose, eyes, gums, and on your skin
- dry brush the skin starting at the extremities and working your way in before oiling to slough off dead skin
- get outside (with sun protection-hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- exercise-swim, bike, walk, hike
- continue with a breathing practice, keeping any stronger kriyas in the mornings
- asana can be a bit more vigorous if appropriate for you (halasana for digestion)
- spend time with family and friends
- drink lots of fluid
- although you may stay up a bit later, consider settling down when the sun goes down
- think about disconnecting from electronics an hour before sleep
- continue to meditate because it's important to still spend quiet, quality inner time with yourself
- enjoy
I'm always interested to hear what my readers are doing so feel free to let me know.
Like many of us, I like to hibernate in the winter. I dress warmly, eat and drink warm things, and love to find places that have hot water or lots of warm blankets and fire. I have to make an extra effort to do other activities that will keeping my inside fire (agni) burning, which don't require me to be on my bottom.
Now that Spring is here, even though it did snow this morning, it's time to cleanse the body and the house, get things, all things, moving again and check in with the immune system.
- Cleanse the body, mind, and home--done
- Get things moving-I've upped my daily practice, lightened my diet, started to walk the dogs regularly, and have been getting my hands dirty in the garden
- Finally, check and build the immune system up
The secret to healthier immune function lies in a happy digestive system.
BY Carrie Demers
According to ayurveda, good health originates in the gastrointestinal
tract. Naturally we assume that means good nutrition and a
smooth-working digestive system, but if that’s all we focus on, we’ll
miss half of the equation: The alimentary canal—that inside-out tube
that runs from the mouth to the anus—is also our first line of defense
against the disease pathogens that surround us. Read more:
For me some of the other things that help my immune system are to avoid cow milk and cheese (boo hoo), eat a colorful, balanced diet, exercise regularly, continue my daily routines and sleep well.
What is it that you do to build your immune system? Please let me know if I've missed something or if you have some wisdom that will help us.
Happy Spring!
