1) BREATHE: The
stale air within our houses and indoor spaces takes its toll on our
bodies. Now that the weather is
turning warmer get outside and do some deep breathing. If you can’t go outside sit by an open
window to practice this pranayama technique.
Sit comfortable and close eyes. Rest hands on belly.
Breathe in through nose until belly is fully extended then hold that
breath in for a second or two. Slowly exhale until you feel the belly
contract…try to push out the last bit of breath. Take two normal breaths in between and then do the extended
breath again. Repeat up to 5
times. This will help to wake up
the lungs, the nervous system and will give you increased energy.
2) MOVE: Get
moving with a more energized yoga practice. Spring is a time to get the cobwebs out of the body and
re-awaken the fluid, youthful you. If you take one class a week, spring is a
great time to bump this up. You
will definitely notice major advances when you practice more often. If that’s not possible, this is a
wonderful time to start a daily home practice, especially one that starts your
day. Remember that you don’t need
to do a whole hour class to benefit.
A couple of significant poses every morning help to jump start the body
and balance the mind. Good ones to
start your day are Sun Salutations (or half suns), Triangle pose, Cobra pose,
and Tree pose.
3) MEDITATE :Don’t worry…you don’t need to dedicate much
time to this either, just a few minutes (perhaps after your asanas) dedicated
to sitting quietly and perhaps envisioning the beautiful day you are lucky
enough to enter into…. It can
really change how your day rolls out.
4) PRACTICE RANDOM KINDNESS: Even when you are at your most grumpy, try being kind and
considerate to others. You will
find it changes your negative energy to positive, and in the meantime sends
wonderful vibrations into the universe.
Imagine that with every kind act or thought another flower blooms
somewhere!
5) DETOX WITH DIET: Fasting is one way to cleanse
the digestive system but it’s not for everyone. If you want to try it, this is an easy one as posted by Elson
Hass, author of The New Detox Diet.
“For starters, try a simple
three-day liquid fast. “After three days, your energy starts to free itself,”
says Haas. Take in only liquids: juices, vegetable broths, and teas as well as
at least 8 to 10 glasses of spring or filtered water a day (2 of them when you
wake up). Herbal teas made with slippery elm bark, dandelion, milk thistle, and
licorice root will cleanse your digestive system and your liver. You can make
fresh juices from fruits and veggies and add a little spirulina for extra
flavor and amino acids. Take advantage of the natural inclination to slow down
by going for long walks, meditating, taking naps, and writing in a journal.
After your fast is done, start by eating whole grains and steamed vegetables.” If you feel fasting is not for you,
try just lightening up. Dr. Deepak
Chopra, a noted Ayurvedic M.D.
recommends reducing dairy products, and eating foods that are more
pungent, bitter and astringent rather that sweet, sour or salty.
Regardless of how you welcome Spring, enjoy the
ritual of renewal. Celebrating
rituals is an important part of our feeling connected to the earth and one
another.
Happy Spring!
