Bring on Spring - Five Practices to Renew and Reset

(Published in Open Doors Canton March Newsletter)

March 12, 2021

Since last spring, our world is forever changed. We can take comfort in the yearly unchanging cycle of nature to heal itself and grow green again. Regardless of the political climate or the impact of the pandemic, tender buds will always sprout on the trees and robins will always scout for worms in the returning grass. Dormant life throws off the blanket of winter and wakes up. As nature renews itself, we can, too. Spring is the season to recharge depleted energy and regenerate dreams for the future.

Try these practices to sprinkle a little spring into your step and sunshine into your soul:

Energize your day with Bhastrika (Bellows) Breath.

Begin with a few deep even breaths. Then breathe with a short forceful inhalation through your nose followed by a short forceful exhalation. The breath originates deep in the diaphragm as you observe your abdomen expanding in and out. Move the air quickly into and out of the lungs with an audible sound at a rate of about one second per each complete breath. After 10 rounds of inhalation and exhalation, pause and notice your energy level. It’s like an Espresso boost without the caffeine!

* Do not practice if you are pregnant or have hypertension, seizure, ulcers, or heart disease.

Practice yoga poses named for the creatures whose appearance signals spring.

Rabbit pose:Starting in a Child’s pose, reach your hands back to hold your heels or ankles. Roll your forehead forward to the crown of your head as you lift your hips. Lengthen your spine and stretch the muscles of your neck. As you arise from the pose, picture the rabbit venturing out of its hole into a field of daffodils.

Frog Pose:Beginning in Table Top, walk your knees apart wider than your hips. Flex your ankles and align them with your knees. Press into your palms and stay lifted or bend at elbows placing the forearms on the ground. Lengthen the crown of your head forward and your tailbone back. As you experience this deep groin and hip stretch, breathe fully and imagine the sound of peepers whose song will soon be ushering in longer warmer days.

Spring is a good time to take a good look at your mat.

Dust the winter grit off your mat and give it a thorough cleaning.For a natural alternative, fill a spray bottle with vinegar diluted with water. Apply it to your mat and rinse several times with plain water. Or throw your mat in the bathtub for a scrub and hang it over the curtain rod to dry.

Inspect your mat for signs of wear and tear. Has it lost its gripping power? Are you super attached to it or do you long for a something different? Treating yourself to a new mat might be just the thing to perk up your practice. Stick with your tried and true mat company or research what’s current in brands and styles. Get recommendations from your friends, yoga teacher or check out what’s available at your favorite yoga studio.

Bust out of your blacks and dark colored winter yoga wardrobe with brighter colors.

Yes, black is flattering for all body types and it’s our go to basic layering standard. For spring, try adding pinks, oranges and sky blues into your yoga closet. What about a teal tank over black yoga pants? Consider an all over print legging with a black top if you’re timid about wearing anything you consider flashy. A Tie Dye tee makes a great yoga top and you’ll feel free as a flower child from 60’s. Yoga is not about what we wear, but there’s no question that color affects our mood.

Essential Oils:

Dabble in the use of scent for calming, healing or lifting energy. Does spring fever have you unfocused and dreamy? Try sandalwood to steady your nerves and sharpen your attention. Need a pick me up because you miss the hour of sleep you lost with Daylight Savings Time? Roll a little topical peppermint oil on your wrists and inner elbows. Dilute wild orange essential oil with water in a spray bottle and bring spring into your home as you clean surfaces and scent the air with its purifying qualities.