If you’ve spent any amount of time on a yoga mat, you’re probably aware of the transformational possibilities the practice allows. From exploring shapes that enhance your sense of confidence and trust in your body, to the blissful pockets of stillness in between, a yoga class is often brimming with aha moments. Over time, the epiphanies may be replaced with a familiarity that feels like coming home. Even if you’ve spent some time away from the practice, your yoga becomes a place of comfort that invites inner knowing and acceptance.
As the days grow longer and the first buds of spring push through the warming earth, you may find your soul yearning for transformation and growth. And there’s no better place to explore this than on your trusty yoga mat.
The season of awakening
Spring, with its vibrant colours and fragrant blossoms, reminds us that life is an ever-evolving journey. It’s a time when the world sheds its old skin and embraces new possibilities. Similarly, yoga invites us to shed our layers of doubt, fear, and limitations, allowing our true selves to bloom. If you’ve ever tried an arm balancing asana, you’ll understand how the practice can allow us to confront our limiting beliefs and eventually move through them. As we step onto the mat, we’re encouraged to let go of judgment, towards ourselves and others – and to tap into our inner child who is trusting, confident, and curious. Just as we see the flowers blooming from the earth, we too can slowly transform – one pose at a time.
A dance with breath and body
But, dear yogis, it’s not about striking a picture-perfect-pose. Yoga is a dance with breath and body. It’s an invitation to connect with the rhythm of our own hearts. When we synchronise our breath with our movements, we can create a beautiful harmony that’s like poetry in motion. There’s transformation to be found in this dance. In these moments of mindful movement, we release tension, confront our fears, tap into our inner strength, and sink into the deepest knowing of our bodies. Just as spring rain nourishes the earth, yoga nourishes our souls – allowing us to grow and flourish.
Embracing change
Spring reminds us that change is something to be embraced, not feared. Just as the trees release their old leaves and make way for new growth, we too can let go of things that no longer serve us. It might be easier said than done – but it starts with the body. If you can cultivate the ability to invite softness into your body, even when there is mental struggle and tension, this will naturally find its way into other areas of your life. On the mat, we learn to breathe through discomfort, to be present with whatever arises, and to trust that change is an integral part of life’s unique tapestry. This newfound flexibility and resilience become invaluable tools as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our lives.
The power of intention
As we step into spring, it’s a perfect time to set intentions for personal growth. Yoga offers us a space to do that. In each practice, we can infuse our movements with purpose and direction. Setting intentions in our yoga practice is like planting seeds in the fertile soil of our hearts. In times, these intentions will germinate and bloom into our lives. Whether you seek greater self-love, peace, a deeper connection with yourself, or simply the ability to be more present, yoga can be your guiding light on this transformative journey.
Self-acceptance
Perhaps most importantly, yoga invites us to step onto the mat and let go of the masks we wear. It’s a safe space where we can explore inner landscapes with kindness and compassion. As we breathe through the poses and meditate on our intentions, we can begin to unravel the limiting beliefs that hold us back. Yoga teaches us that our worth is not measured by our physical appearance or accomplishments, but the love and acceptance we offer ourselves. Through mindfulness and self-reflection, we learn to embrace our imperfections, seeing them as unique pieces of a beautiful mosaic that is our true self. In this journey, no matter the season, yoga ultimately guides us to a place of deep self-acceptance.
5 poses to practise this spring
Boat pose: We’ll resist the urge to make a joke about getting your body beach-ready (ewww) – but spring inspires us to move, gain strength, and transform from the inside out! Boat Pose is a great way to stoke your inner fire.
Handstand: Whether it’s a modified, L-shape against the wall or a freestanding handstand, spring is the perfect time to build confidence with arm balances.
Bridge pose: Feel yourself blossom in Bridge Pose. It’s a beautiful heart opener and might even inspire you to eventually move towards the mighty Wheel!
Butterfly pose: Make sure to include some Yin poses in your practice. Butterfly is a beautiful pose for nourishing the meridians associated with spring (liver and gallbladder).
Supine twist: Twists are encouraged in Yin yoga at this time of year and are also a great opportunity to detox and energetically clear out the old to make way for the new.