We are well into the new year, resolutions have been set, the cogs continue to turn, and soon we will be approaching spring. As the spring bulbs begin to respond, grow and emerge, we, too, begin to feel the change. From an Ayurvedic perspective, we are still moving through the Kapha season, where we are prone to feeling low, heavy and sluggish; however, now is the time to prepare to embrace spring. When the seasons cross over, it is always a powerful time to let go of anything that doesn’t serve you anymore and shed mind, body and soul. Implementing an Ayurvedic cleanse is an amazing way to start this spring clean. I offer easy step-by-step plans that incorporate the five holistic approaches of Ayurveda to help support the transition at every level. There are plenty of small changes that you can make; one is weaving yoga into your weekly routine. Yoga means to yoke, join or unite; it is a potent practice that anyone can access. Creating Sukha, or a ‘good space’, is vital to move freely through this time. Here are two yoga poses that will help you through the seasonal change.

UTKATASANA
Chair Pose

This is also known as Powerful Pose. After three to six rounds of Sun Salutations A and B come to Mountain Pose. Bring your feet together, ground down through Pada Pandha, foot lock, inhale, lift your arms up, exhale, bend your knees and tilt your pelvis/hips as if you were about to sit down into a chair. Keep your arms in line with your ears and reach up whilst staying for five deep breaths. Try squeezing your thighs together; you can use a yoga block or thick book to help engage the thighs. This pose strengthens the abdominal muscles, lower back, legs, ankles and feet. It improves stamina, confidence and focus.

USTRASANA
Camel Pose

After practising a 20/30 minute yoga flow, come to the Tabletop Pose on all fours, ensuring your knees are your hip-width apart. Inhale, come onto your knees and exhale, ensuring your knees are comfortable. Inhale, engage your inner thighs, lift your arms up, open them wide, draw your stomach in and up, lift your chest up, roll your shoulders and arms back, exhale and place your hands on your heels. This is a deep back bend, so be mindful, find your edge and breathe slowly and deeply while practising Ahimsa (yoga as a non-violent, non-harmful practice and way of life). You can also use your yoga block or thick books, or hold your hips for variation. Take five deep breaths here, lifting up through your chest and visualising a green or pink light as you open your heart chakra. Inhale and slowly come out of the pose and exhale into Child’s Pose for another five breaths at least. This posture energises the mind and body, helps with mobility in the upper back and shoulders, and stretches the whole of the front body whilst improving your posture and lung capacity.

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