Dear yogi friends,
Now that the worst of the snow seems to have melted away, we can start to look for signs of spring and renewal. Seasonal yoga emphasises the importance of sequencing and being in alignment with nature. Within the art of yoga, there are many ways to help rediscover the body’s inner wisdom and the intrinsic joy and health of living in balance from one season to the next. This mindfulness offers us the ability to truly understand that what is happening in nature is also occurring within each of us. We are not separate from nature; you are nature and from the Ayurvedic perspective, you are composed of the same five elements—ether, air, fire, water, and earth just like everything around you.
I feel that, for our own wellbeing, it’s important to connect to nature as much as we can. There is something inherently sacred and beautiful about bringing awareness to the rhythms of the day (sunrise and sunset), to the moon cycles (waxing and waning), to seasonal shifts (spring, summer, winter, and autumn), and to our own life phases (student, worker, parents, householder, retirement), so we can rediscover how dynamic life is and remember not to take any of it for granted.
Since humans are part of nature, we have the opportunity to be graceful and let the seasons flow without clinging or grabbing at it. It’s natural to have preferences to certain seasons, they resonate with our core elements and make us feel more like ourselves. But developing contentment with all seasons, regardless of dosha, or where you live, is so important to our wellbeing. This is where ‘sequencing’ can be useful.
One of the key practices within seasonal vinyasa yoga is to put a brief pause after each season. Your body can benefit from discovering and adapting to new environments, new routines, and foods; growing stronger, more resilient, and keeping you in touch with the cycles of nature. To start a seasonal Vinyasa practice consider the following questions at the beginning of each season:
· What changes are going on outside in nature? · How does this season make me feel? · What are the challenges I face? · What brings me joy during this season? · What diet or lifestyle routines do I want to change? · Am I getting the right amount of sleep? · What yoga or exercise routine feel the best to me?
As often as possible, spend time outside, time your routines with the sun rise and fall and appreciate the dynamic flow occurring in the world around you. Let nature guide your seasonal routines. Seasonal vinyasa teaches us that change is good. The yogis believe that you are one with nature. In order to flourish, you need diversity. If you live a stagnant life and choose the same foods, practices, and environments again and again, your view of life and the world will begin to narrow. Not only does the body weaken, but your spirit may suffer if you are not adapting to new environments or challenges regularly. When we don’t have stimulation, which disappears when we are stuck in a routine, it’s possible to get too comfortable or attached to things becoming permanent, which is the opposite of what is occurring in nature and against yogic teachings.
We are breaking for Easter on Friday 30 March. Normal class schedule will resume on Monday 09 April.
Warmest Namaste & Love
Happy Easter