Is it spring yet? I don’t know, but water dances back and forth between clouds, snow, and rain at this time, indecisive the way only spring can be. This was never quite the case when I lived in California, where water was scarce except in the form of clouds and fog, depending on how close I was to the ocean.
Drink water, drink more water, take warm baths. Simple health advice that makes a difference for someone with a dry constitution like mine. In the past four months, I did 2 week-long online Master classes on Ayurveda with Hannah Levin where we talked about how to live in harmony with the seasons. I love the elemental aspects of yoga that help us understand the balance of things, but rather than delve into that whole facet of yoga, I’ll direct you to this link for now and leave the details to a future post.
Hydration is definitely one of the simplest, most vital, and often overlooked aspects of self-care. I’m not here to tell you to drink more water, or how much to drink, or to stop drinking alcohol and caffeine because they’re dehydrating. You’ll do those things if/when you want to, but what I’d like to dive into here (pun intended!) is the expression of water in flowing yoga practices.
We tend to think of yoga as postures, but there is so much offered in yoga classes these days that point to the flowing, fluid aspect of yoga. That’s why styles like Vinyasa yoga and all its variants are so popular. But deeper than that, there’s the flow of the breath, and the flow of thoughts and emotions that mimic the movement of water.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our foundations are being rocked. Many of us miss our ‘normal’ lives and daily routines, which have a way of making us feel like we’re standing on solid ground. But the truth is, things are always more fluid than we think they are.
As we reflect on the water element as it manifests in flowing yoga sequences, join me in one of my favorite practices:
Pick two poses that you can move back and forth between. Think of it as a mini sequence.
Make no rules about when to inhale and when to exhale — just make sure the breath continues freely.
Feel how your body goes back and forth between the poses, perhaps staying in each for only a second, or allowing yourself to hold your position for a few breaths anywhere along the spectrum of movement.
After going back and forth at least 3-5 times (or more if you’re really getting into it), find any posture (standing, seated, or reclined) and rest there. Witness the flow of your breath, thoughts, and emotions. Stay there for at least a minute, more if you like.
Here are some ideas for pairs of postures that make great mini sequences. It’s more of an inspiration to practice than it is a video to follow along. Use one or two mini sequences for a quick pick-me-up, or incorporate them into a longer session. More to come in future posts, but this is a start, and of course, make up your own! I’d love to hear about it:)