I often take my inspiration for my own practice and my classes from what's going on around... Sometimes World events, but more often the cycles of nature, seasons, and phases of the moon.
Right now, in the northern hemisphere, we're in the Imbolc time of the year, when the stirrings of spring are happening, often deep underground, so for me it feels right to honour those feelings in our own bodies and minds. Many of us have felt the need to stay huddled inside or under layers, feeling a little closed in, conserving energy and appreciating staying home. That can be a good thing, like nature we need to honour that need to hibernate and recharge our batteries! But sometimes it can make us a little lethargic and our bodies feel tight, closed off, perhaps even our minds and emotions, dwelling on ourselves...?!
Imbolc then, is a time to recognise the signs of life in our bodies, planting or nurturing the seeds of what will sprout later this year. Can you feel the turning point from dark winter to light? It's the perfect time to shine a light on your practices, both physically, easing those limbs into action, cultivating strong roots, and mentally, tuning in to your breath, taking time to create space in the mind to discover what you need.
What sort of practices?
Again, with the analogy of plants, simple grounding practices, attention to your foundations, toe exercises to awaken your feet, watching your standing and sitting posture, using blocks between thighs and hands - in utkatasana (chair pose) or tadasana (standing tall/mountain pose), and salabasana (prone lengthening/simple backbends) to cultivate that sense of hugging in to expand, alongside gliding, wriggling movements to plump up the fluids in the body.
Simple breath practices, such as watching the pauses between at the end of the inhale and exhale and welcoming the turning point of the breath. We need to let go for the next cycle to begin.
It's also a full moon this Sunday, and my favourite yoga practices are circular helping to lubricate and strengthen the joints.
Join me, or a yoga teacher near you, or just get moving, at home. Then when you come to stillness you will notice those signs of life inside!
