Spring Seasonal Yoga Guide

And just like that, you can really feel the spring in the air! It’s the season of fertility, abundance, and growth, both in nature outside and within. The days got brighter and longer, the sun is slowly but surely warming us up more in Wandsworth (our sunset classes are quite something!!), and nature is awakening from the deep winter rest. Magnolias in bloom are my favorite sign that the cold, dark winter days are behind us and that now is the time for the spring cleanse and awakening.

Following the blooming of spring, we also brought freshness to our Wandsworth Yoga studio - we introduced a lot more classes & class styles, as well as new teachers (Austin Ince for Flow & Yin on Tuesdays, Sam Jonin for Vinyasa Open Level on Wednesdays). Please give them a lovely welcome and try out their classes. There is also a new Unlimited Monthly Membership that includes access to all the classes on the schedule as well as our on-demand online library of classes that you can take any time, anywhere. Back to the theme now!

In Ayurveda, every season is governed by some elements, and the early springtime that we are experiencing at the moment in London is still governed by the elements of Earth and Water, in Ayurveda called the Kapha dosha - the constitution that has certain qualities like sticky, slimy, cold, heavy, and greasy. The Ayurvedic approach to regaining balance is the idea of “like attracts like, and opposites bring balance” - so we are looking for the anti-Kapha approach in the way that we practice Yoga, go about our days, consume food etc.

Today I’m sharing with you a few tips for your Yoga practice and lifestyle to adjust your internal constitution to the outward nature at this time of the year.

Yoga asana

After the long and stagnant winter, it’s time to shake off the dust and re-awaken into spring. This time of the year is the perfect opportunity to add more core work in your postural practice of Yoga, as well as more challenge - give a go to that arm balance, take the extra Chaturanga, and choose a more uplifting rhythm through the transitions that will challenge the breath. Spring cleaning is a real deal too - introduce more twisting postures into your practice and stimulate Agni, the digestive fire. 

Kriya - Cleansing techniques

The Jala Neti Kriya is good for everyone as prevention, but especially if you are suffering from allergies or feel like you constantly accumulate a lot of mucus. Use the Neti Pot a few times a week to rinse your nasal passages with salty, distilled water. Too much of everything is just that - too much, so avoid using it every day as salty water can dry your nasal passages.

Pranayama

Take some time at the beginning of the practice to establish the deep breaths by using the Sama Vritti Pranayama (equal fluctuations of the breath, for example in the ratio 5:5 in & out). These may be followed by Pranayamas that promote more warmth and energize the body, like the Yogic Ujjayi breath, Surya Bedhana and Kapalabhati. Or simply take our yoga classes in Wandsworth - you just take the shoes off and breathe, while we take care of the rest :) 

Declutter

‘Spring cleaning’ may sound like a myth, but it is really a freeing practice of releasing physical possessions, as well as stagnant energy, and anything in your life that has come to its natural ending. Decluttering brings lightness, spaciousness, renewal, and clarity, which can help you bloom during this abundant season!

Lighter food

As explained above, the approach we take is using the opposites to bring balance - so when talking about the spring diet, we want to avoid the foods that have Kapha-like qualities (sticky, slimy, cold, heavy, and greasy). It’s time to transition from the warming, heavy winter dishes to those that will bring more lightness to the body. Think of introducing more of leafy greens, herbs, seasonal vegetables (spinach, artichoke, cauliflower, kale, radish, spring greens…), and fruit, preferably local. Choose more spicy & bitter foods.

From ideas to realization

The contemplative, retreat-like nature of Winter is the time when we dream and plan for future projects and ideas. But springtime is the time to get s**t done! The intention is set, and now is the time to take small, persistent daily steps toward achieving your goals, day in and day out. Don’t wait for things to just happen, but take the matter into your hands and strive towards your dream projects.

Come by the river in Battersea Reach to flow with us, and let’s spring into Spring together!