Springtime is magical dynamic and sensuous. The aliveness of springtime is a mirror of the life force that is always pulsing within us. This is a time to shed that which keeps us from feeling most alive and should set the tone for the rest of the year. A proper hatha yoga practice will vary according to the time of year in our life. A springtime yoga practice should follow natures lead by gradually lightning us physically, mentally, and emotionally. A balanced springtime yoga practice will incorporate realistic goals for obtaining our highest form of health and vitality. Springtime is a time to focus on what makes you shine from within. The proper transition into springtime serves as a foundation for health for the rest of the year. Honor the spring as the morning of the year.
Yoga is not only an asana (posture) practice but a whole lifestyle practice. The following Sadhana (yoga practice) recommendations are a combination of lifestyle, diet and yoga practices that will shed lethargy or amma (the toxicity that accumulates during the winter months) and build a foundation for personal strength and vitality:
Lifestyle
1.The optimal time for going to sleep at night is 10pm. The optimal time for waking up is between 5:30am and 6:00am. When we get the right amount of sleep, it wakes up our internal agni. Agni is our internal fire. By waking up our internal fire, we can reduce lethargy which can come from sleeping in.
2.Upon waking-apply warm sesame oil to the whole body. Follow this with a hot shower and a brief cold rinse. This is an ayurvedic springtime ritual that will stimulate the lymphatic system and benefits the mind and emotions. This ritual also increases the immune system.
Diet
3.Eat less( or none) of foods that increase mucus; dairy products, iced or cold food or drinks, white bread, processed foods, and fried foods.
4.Drink detoxifying teas. A good one is a combination of cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. Yogi brand Detox Tea is also very nice. Drink these detoxifying teas one hour after breakfast and lunch. This serves to keep the digestive system healthy and to expectorate excess mucus.
5.Eat plenty of fresh and local vegetables. Local vegetables will serve as a gentle and natural cleansing to your system.
Lifestyle
6.Organize your home or your office.
7.Resolve lingering issues in your relationships. Practice peacemaking, forgiveness and understanding.
8.Find occasions where you can holler and scream with enthusiasm and joy. Kirtan is excellent.
Yoga Practice
9.A springtime hatha yoga practice should be a dynamic style of practice that is warming, stimulates our internal metabolic fire, improves circulation of prana so that excess toxins can be eliminated particularly from the lungs, heart and circulatory system.
10.The best postures for asana during the spring are Standing poses, standing twists, sun salutations and inversions.
11.Smooth rhythmic breathing (ujaii breath) particularly during sun salutations is key for maintaining concentration and spreading heat throughout the body. This inner heat melts away excess tissues in your body
Spring is here. Finally. Whatever your yoga practice, you should come away feeling warmed, invigorated and light. Your circulation should be energized and your chest and lungs open. At the end of your practice, the mind and senses should be sharp and clear and any emotional heaviness released and forgotten.
There is no need to wait. Start your yoga practice exactly where you are. All you need to do is come to the mat. Bow your head and offer a prayer of gratitude to nature and set your intentions for your practice. Chant the sound AUM and begin.
With love,
Anne Falkowski
No comments:
Post a Comment