Summer is coming. The shift in seasons always feels really dramatic at this time of the year. We go from the slow, lethargic rhythms of winter (which maybe were feeling quite comfortable) to spring when suddenly our environment and lifestyle go through a total renewal. Days are longer, more active. We’re up and about, spending more time being social, starting new hobbies and habits, multitasking, getting outdoors and celebrating the sunshine. It’s a whole new world!
This reawakening can also feel a bit tiring, unpredictable and at times unstable. We’re literally on our feet a lot more, resting less, and while there’s nothing wrong with the upbeat rhythm of the warmer seasons, the transition can be exhausting sometimes. Our yoga practice can help us to move through this transition. A balanced practice will incorporate both yang and yin elements. Try to set aside time in your week for both. Grounding yourself now and incorporating some good habits will help you start the summer cool, calm and collected.
Yang
Think about strength, even a little bit of sweat because, well, maybe its been awhile since that body has sweated! Also a vigorous practice helps to get our energy moving, detoxifies the body and shifts stagnancy. Try a Vinyasa or Power class, or do a practice with more sun salutes and some ‘bigger’ peak postures like backbends, deeper twists and stretches like full splits (Hanumanasana), Wheel pose (Urdva Dhanurasana) and Revolved Triangle pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana, or as some non-fans call it, revolting triangle ;) )
Yin
When we’re reaching for new heights, it’s important to stay connected to your centre and your roots. Yang energy drives us forward to productivity and achievements, all good things. But too much of a good thing is never a good thing. Restorative and yin postures, where we hold a posture for a long time, can also help to move stagnant energy, especially in the hips, shoulders and along the spine.
In spring, the seed breaks out of its shell, pushes through the dirt to break into the light. This process can be uncomfortable, but it’s also rewarding. It’s time to evolve! Yin helps us to connect to our inner nature. The challenges of spring are also opportunities, just as the challenge of stillness in a long-held yin pose is also an opportunity. To know your centre. To heal. To digest. To restore and repair.
Make time for a Yin or Restorative class to recharge your batteries. Or spend some time at home in Child’s pose (Balasana), Reclining Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana), or Double Pigeon aka Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana) or whichever pose is the best pose for some ‘you’ time.