Have you been feeling a little tired lately ? The change of seasons can often affect us in very subtle and sometimes not so subtle ways. Sometimes it is hard to adjust and the body and mind need a little catch up time to get there.
Here is Australia the evenings are cooler as are the early mornings but we can still have some quite hot days. I gather that in the northern hemisphere it is still quite cold in many places and you are longing for the warmth of spring sunshine. Once again I am looking into my yoga toolbox to help me adjust and you might like to as well.
For those of us “down under” getting into some more dynamic practices like Salute to the Sun will help to get you going in the cooler mornings and if this is not something that you are ready to practice you could try practices like Nauka Sanchalanasana or rowing the boat, Utthanasana (squatting and rising ) to get the heart rate up and the prana moving. These would also be useful for cooler mornings up north until the sun is really warming you up.
Cleansing practices like Neti , Kapalbhati, and Lagoo Shankaprakshalana are also suggested by the yogis to help the body cleanse and prepare for the changing seasons. The first practice is a nasal washing practice good for cleansing pollens of springtime or indeed clearing the mucus that can develop with the onset of viruses as you move into cooler weather. The second practice is a breath practice to clear the mind and the third one is used to clear the digestive tract. All of these practices should be taught by a trained yoga teacher before you really attempt them on your own.
Eating according to the season is also something recommended so moving away from the heavier winter foods in the north to lighter meals whilst those in the southern hemisphere may be drawn to more easily digested soups and dhal, away from the many salads and lighter food we have been eating.
Last but certainly not least would be incorporating a regular yoga nidra practice (for more on yoga nidra see blog post Yoga Nidra) into your day. Disturbed sleep can leave you tired and cranky but a 15 min yoga nidra will leave you refreshed and completely relaxed. If you haven’t tried it yet then please give this little offering a go.
Spring is such a great time for new beginnings though and it is worth reflecting on just what has happened over the winter season. That period of dormancy or quiet time has provided the opportunity for a much needed rest for nature and perhaps yourself. With the rising soil temperatures and warmth of the sun there is increasing vitality and energy resulting in all sorts of growth and the need to be pare back the dead wood which in itself is a good thing. If you spend some time outdoors you can feel the promise of spring ..an opportunity for movement forward.
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As we move into the season of Autumn it could be a great opportunity to look at what is truly important in your life. It can be a busy time over the summer with friends, relatives, holidays, work and getting children back to school. It is at times like this when our yoga practice can suffer as we get caught up in all the “doing” of life, but one thing is for sure if you have built a strong foundation in your yoga practice then it will support you as you navigate your way around the “busy-ness” of life.
Beechworth Yoga 