As we transition from Winter to Spring what can we do to attune with the energy of Spring and bring balance to ourselves?
As a yogi, I know that yoga asana (postures) and pranayama (breath work) can be particularly helpful to me. Ayurveda (the Indian natural system of medicine) also provides us with some ideas for seasonal adjustments.
Typically in most countries at Springtime, the ground can become heavy with rain and the earth abundant with new growth. The heaviness, dampness and pressure changes can translate to us feeling heavy and stagnant on damper, breezier days.
Naturally the increase in sunlight can help us feel lighter and more at ease, but what when the weather is so changeable? How can we create balance within ourselves? What seasonal adjustments can we make?
This season is known to be dominant in Kapha in Ayurveda. There are adjustments we can build into our days to balance this Kapha energy.
Diet.
Eat lighter, drier foods. Since the air is often still cool, eat foods that are warm. Bring in more food to your body that increases energy and motivation. Bitter, astringent foods like ginger, leafy greens and pomegranates rather than heavier foods like dense breads and dairy.
Rise with the sun.
As morning light increases rise with it. Each day grows a bit longer and the practice of paying homage to the sun in the morning via Sun Salutations can feel like a beautiful call and response between the two of you. “Lightening up” with yoga with simple Sun Salutations soon after you rise adds heat and motivation. If this is new to you, Spring is a great time for new beginnings so try it. If it’s in your practice already, add in poses like twists to increase circulation and inversions to support the cleansing process of organs.
Breathwork (pranayama – Prana meaning life. Yama meaning control.)
You can use your breath to shift your energy. Moving into Spring we want to declutter, get rid of what is stale and bring in new life; energise if you like. Kapalbhati (breath of fire) is a great breath work to clear your energies and help you feel more awake, alive and uplifted. A few minutes in the morning or when you feel sluggish in the day can really shift your energy.
Drinking.
Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon and honey on rising warms up your system immediately. Maybe carry a thermos with warm ginger water so its available to sip through the day keeping you warm.
Essential Oils.
Oil-wise; ginger, clove, lemon and jasmine are invigorating, warming and uplifting. Oils are personal – a good gauge to determine if an oil is right for you is the smile test! Do you smile when you sniff it? If so, use it!
Exercise.
Practice moderate exercise several days a week – this could be a combination of your yoga practice and getting out in nature.
Enjoy this beautiful season of awakening, new beginnings, growth, creativity and manifestation.
