In anticipation of spring — if you are anything like me — you are anxiously watching for the first glimpses of new growth all around you. Budding trees, greening grass, baby wildlife…any sign of a welcome change of scenery.
As we reflect back on the doldrums of winter, this is a perfect time to be mindful of your internal dialogue and give yourself space to reflect on your thoughts to moderate or change your mood and feelings in a positive way. This past winter has been turbulent in many ways, so it is more important than ever to focus your practice on compassion and seeing the divine not only in yourself, but also in others.
With spring right around the corner, it is a perfect time to think about personal growth and the changes we want to see in ourselves. Spring cleaning isn’t just reserved for cleaning out your closets! Celebrate spring by clearing out what isn’t serving you in your life anymore and making room for what does. It is a perfect time to set intentions for what you really want.
Practicing Sun Salutations are a great way to de-clutter this spring, since they allow you to inhale life force and exhale what is no longer needed. Every Sun Salutation gives you the opportunity to give and receive.
Other yoga sequences can support natural de-cluttering, or detoxification, by increasing circulation, compressing and twisting internal organs, and encouraging relaxation. Inversions like Legs-up-the-Wall Pose use gravity to stimulate lymph and blood circulation. Twisting poses can also increase blood circulation, enhance digestion and boost the flushing ability of the body. Deep forward bends also promote good digestion. Although helping the digestive organs to move (or flush) toxins is very important, so is stimulating the nervous system to activate what’s known as the relaxation response. Restorative poses, such as the Reclining Bound Angle Pose, are designed to do just that.
So, as we look forward to spring, reflect back upon the winter months and seek compassion for yourself and others. This will help prepare you to get the most out of your spring de-cluttering and detoxification of your body, and your life.