Spring is the rising energy phase of moving upwards and forwards and liberate the latent energies that have been dormant in the inertia of winter. So a time to move forward having strong roots and yet be flexible enough to bend in the wind, just like a tree!

In addition to the ancient yogic techniques, I work with a seasonal influence on my teachings which draw from the ancient sciences/philosophies of Ayurveda (Indian) and Daoist (Chinese) Yoga.

So, as we leave Winter (yes really) and enter into SPRING, the practices in class change to accommodate the rising energies of Spring.  According to the Daoist principles, Spring energies are like rising sap, is forceful, determined to rise up and move forward, yet it remains supple and flexible like a tree’s ability to bend in the wind, secured by strong roots.

According to Ayurveda, this is still late winter characterised by the

KAPHA energies which are composed of the elements of water and earth.  Kapha has wet, cool, earthy and oily qualities that bind, stabilise, lubricate and sustain.

How does all this affect or relate to our yoga practice?  As yoga is all about being in harmony and balance with oneself and nature, the practices can be specifically tailored to balance the current energies to enhance our own inner nature, our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

The practices for spring are designed to move from a more yin internal focus to a more yang expansive energy.  So movement is essential to help move our Chi and blood, this helps to ward off sluggishness and depression.  So we stretch the lateral sheath (where the gallbladder meridians runs) to stimulate and unblock energies to create the feeling of growth into the rebirth of spring.  This stretching also creates the ideal environment for becoming less toxic - over these spring weeks it is important that your body has less work to do breaking down toxins, you need to help your liver by putting less toxicity into your body, foods - thoughts - actions!