For the past six years, my job has been to educate, teach and promote holistic health and well-being via the modalities of Ayurveda and yoga. However, at the end of 2022, I realised my well-being had taken a bit of a back seat; given the extreme situation we have all found ourselves in, it came as no surprise. I wonder, is this a reflection of you too? How are you at setting boundaries to create space for yourself? It takes discipline to say no and to be just a teensy bit selfish. We get so caught up in our past and future selves we neglect ourselves in the present moment. There are many ways to get off the hamster wheel and prioritise your well-being; book a massage, start yoga, meditate, detox, walk in nature, start gardening or simply drink a hot drink without any distractions. Let 2023 be the year you take control. Here are two yoga poses that will ground your energy, so you feel relaxed in the present moment, yet will help you shed your winter coat, ready for spring.
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Spring is linked with Kapha Dosha; it relates to the elements of earth and water and has the qualities of moistness, heaviness and lethargy. Clearing congestion by moving and creating internal heat is a great way to shift excess Kapaha Dosha. After six rounds of Sun Salutations A and three rounds of Sun Salutations B, come to a seated position. Extend your right leg out and draw your left heel and knee in. Inhale and cross your left leg over your right thigh, exhale and twist to the left, hug your knee tightly into your chest and hold for five deep breaths. Remember to do the same on the other side to create balance. This pose stimulates digestion, maintains mobility in the spine, relieves backache and tension whilst energising and relaxing the body.
MATSYASANA Fish Pose
Return to a seated position and move through a shoulder stand and plough pose, five deep breaths in each. Then come out of plough pose through shoulder stand and into fish pose. Take a deep inhale and as you exhale, engage your core, bring your hands on your mat and slowly start to lower your legs down onto your mat, bringing your hands underneath your buttocks. Inhale and lift up through your chest and take your head gently back, so you rest on the crown of your head. Extend your toes; five deep breaths here. If you are a beginner, you can pop a cushion underneath the crown of your head for elevation, and you can use a Dharma Wheel to help you with your back bend. This is a fun and safe way to access a back bend and will help you progress. Matsyasana energises the body whilst promoting a sense of calm; it releases tension, boosts the immune system, relaxes the nervous system reducing depression and anxiety. It increases mobility and flexibility and stretches, strengthens and lengthens the body.
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