Spring Cleaning for the Body and Mind
Spring is a transitional time of year. Daffodils and hyacinths dot the highways while peonies barely push out of the ground. The weather switches from cold to hot, wet to dry on any given day. Our bodies also feel this shift with mood changes, sleep needs and dietary wants. For instance, on a cool, cloudy spring day, one may find himself wanting to sleep in later, feeling more lethargic during the day and craving a warm soup for dinner. However, when the weather changes to to a balmy 80 degrees, one instantly feels energized and may want to fire up the grill with fresh spring vegetables. This shift creates an unbalance in the body resulting in irritation and possible sickness.
Both Ayurveda and yoga help balance our mind and body. Right now, many of us are beginning to rake out flower beds, spread grass seed, wash windows and outdoor furniture. This is a perfect time of the year to clear out the cobwebs within ourselves because our bodies are naturally shedding off excess weight and emotions preparing for a hot summer.
A regular yoga asana (posture) practice will help tone and strengthen the bones and muscles. Amp up your current practice or add more practices to your schedule at home or the studio. Now is the time that your body can handle a more intense workout while during the hot, summer months, it will crave a cooler, more gentle workout. Try incorporating a popular sequence like Sun Salutation A into your morning routine. It's a great sequence for all body types and can be modified to your level.
In addition to an asana practice, adding pranayama (breathing) and meditation will help calm the mind for the day ahead. Controlling our breath helps take control of a situation. Imagine you are driving your car to an appointment. There is an accident ahead and you will likely be late to your appointment because of it. Notice how your breath begins to grow shallower and your body temperature rises. You can take hold of the situation simply by bringing your awareness to your breath. Start by simply making your inhalations the same length as your exhalations by counting to 3 on each.
Begin your morning with a simple meditation practice. Whether you have 30 minutes or five minutes, meditation in the morning is possible. Find a quiet and comfortable space in your home - your recliner, the porch, in front of a sunny window. Settle yourself into a seated posture - however you can sit for the time you allot. Set a timer so you do not think about being late for work. Close your eyes and begin to breathe in and out through the nose. Notice how the breath sounds a bit like the March winds we've experienced. Thoughts like to-do lists will pop in your head. Don't fight the thoughts. Allow them to appear and float away like a cloud. With practice, you will noticed how much easier it is to control your thoughts. Don't be hard on yourself - any meditation is better than no meditation.
Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga and oldest medical system in the world, believes most diseases start with poor digestion. Eating the right foods for your body will help it function better alleviating symptoms like indigestion, allergies, disturbed sleep and chronic pain. Twice a year, Ayurveda encourages detoxing to help reset the body's digestion system. The Himalayan Institute is offering a free guided spring cleanse for those interested in changing their diet.
Take advantage of this time of year. Experts claim you can create a new habit in as little as 30 days. Whether you choose one method or all, you will feel lighter and brighter just like spring.
Both Ayurveda and yoga help balance our mind and body. Right now, many of us are beginning to rake out flower beds, spread grass seed, wash windows and outdoor furniture. This is a perfect time of the year to clear out the cobwebs within ourselves because our bodies are naturally shedding off excess weight and emotions preparing for a hot summer.
A regular yoga asana (posture) practice will help tone and strengthen the bones and muscles. Amp up your current practice or add more practices to your schedule at home or the studio. Now is the time that your body can handle a more intense workout while during the hot, summer months, it will crave a cooler, more gentle workout. Try incorporating a popular sequence like Sun Salutation A into your morning routine. It's a great sequence for all body types and can be modified to your level.
In addition to an asana practice, adding pranayama (breathing) and meditation will help calm the mind for the day ahead. Controlling our breath helps take control of a situation. Imagine you are driving your car to an appointment. There is an accident ahead and you will likely be late to your appointment because of it. Notice how your breath begins to grow shallower and your body temperature rises. You can take hold of the situation simply by bringing your awareness to your breath. Start by simply making your inhalations the same length as your exhalations by counting to 3 on each.
Begin your morning with a simple meditation practice. Whether you have 30 minutes or five minutes, meditation in the morning is possible. Find a quiet and comfortable space in your home - your recliner, the porch, in front of a sunny window. Settle yourself into a seated posture - however you can sit for the time you allot. Set a timer so you do not think about being late for work. Close your eyes and begin to breathe in and out through the nose. Notice how the breath sounds a bit like the March winds we've experienced. Thoughts like to-do lists will pop in your head. Don't fight the thoughts. Allow them to appear and float away like a cloud. With practice, you will noticed how much easier it is to control your thoughts. Don't be hard on yourself - any meditation is better than no meditation.
Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga and oldest medical system in the world, believes most diseases start with poor digestion. Eating the right foods for your body will help it function better alleviating symptoms like indigestion, allergies, disturbed sleep and chronic pain. Twice a year, Ayurveda encourages detoxing to help reset the body's digestion system. The Himalayan Institute is offering a free guided spring cleanse for those interested in changing their diet.
Take advantage of this time of year. Experts claim you can create a new habit in as little as 30 days. Whether you choose one method or all, you will feel lighter and brighter just like spring.
