As February comes to a close and March slowly begins I can't help but get a bit excited for Springtime. I know it is still a bit off but I'm beginning to take inventory of my garden supplies and planning what we will put in the ground this year. We don't have a garden plot this year but plenty of pots and seeds, its amazing how much you can grow in a limited amount of space. I'm already dreaming of tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, kale and perhaps even a few strawberry plants- its the little things that get me excited.
In Ayurvedic terms- Spring is dominated by Kapha. Kapha is wet, heavy, cold, static and smooth. It is nourishing and supports creation and renewal. For those of us with a bit of Kapha in our constitution this time of year can lead to a build up of extra Kapha and lead to sinus infections and Spring colds. Here are some great tips (thanks to Monica over at heymonicab.com) for helping to balance the Kapha in our lives:
Like increases like. To stay balanced in spring, we want to incorporate all things opposite of the wet, heavy, cold, static and smooth qualities of kapha. Eating foods that are dry, light, warm/spicy, liquid and fiberous will help kapha move so that it doesn’t get stuck in places! Ginger is great
Lighten up. Since kapha energy is heavy, this is a great time for lightening our load. Choose lighter foods, incorporate daily exercise (to keep bodies light), or donate clothes we no longer wear. Keeping light is key for kapha.
Clean it out. It’s not weird at all that we feel AWESOME when we’ve done some spring cleaning. It’s because nature wants us to! And that’s not just for the house either. Consider doing a spring cleanse for your bod as it will remove toxins due to sluggish winter digestion. Fasting is a form of cleansing and kapha types should fast by skipping dinner one night a week. Their metabolism tends to be sluggish and fasting will help their digestion catch up!
Neti Pot. The neti pot is the magic cure for all kapha allergies and sinus problems. I swear it works and have had numerous clients sing it’s praises. If you are snotted up or have pollen floating around in there, rinse it out! ;)
Light and Small Food. Because kapha is naturally heavy, it easily gets weighed down. Having small meals will be key. Really pay attention to your hunger so as no to overeat. Overeating is the quickest way to imbalance kapha.
No Yogurt. Yogurt has identical qualities to kapha and it’s a channel clogger which can make allergies, colds, asthma much worse.
Aromatherapy. Bergamot, citrus, lavender, basil.
So the basic rules are, if you are a kapha-type person stay light, dry, and warm. And keep moving! Enjoy the graceful, peaceful and refreshing entry into spring!!
Speaking of Springtime...
I'll be teaching 3 workshops throughout April to celebrate the changing of the seasons, mark your calendars now and be sure to pre-register to reserve a spot- the Winter workshops filled up fast and I expect the Spring ones to fill even faster.
Come and celebrate the return of Spring with an afternoon of uplifting yoga. This 2 hour workshop will focus on heart opening backbends and twists to 'spring clean' our bodies, mind and souls. We will explore asana, meditation, chanting and pranayama to welcome in this beautiful time of year.
Sunday, April 8th at Exhale Yoga, NE Portland, 1-3pm
Saturday, April 14th at Heart Fire Yoga, St Johns, 2-4pm
Sunday, April 15th at Yoga Shala Buckman, SE Portland, 3-5pm
Saturday, April 21st at Discover Yoga, Redmond, WA, 1-3pm
This Week's Teaching Schedule:
Monday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Monday 9:30am, Yoga Shala North, Vinyasa Level 2
Monday 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Monday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2
Tuesday 9:30am, Yoga Shala Buckman, Vinyasa Level 2
Tuesday 12pm, Yoga Shala Buckman, All Level Vinyasa
Wednesday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Wednesady 4pm, Yoga Shala North, All Level Vinyasa
Wednesday 7:15pm, Exhale Yoga, Yoga Basics
Thursday 9:30am, Yoga Shala Buckman, Vinyasa Level 2
Thursday 12pm, Yoga Shala Buckman, All Level Vinyasa
Thursday 6pm, Yoga Shala SE, Vinyasa Level 2
Friday 6:30am, People's Yoga North, Morning Flow
Friday 9:15am, Exhale Yoga, Hatha Blend
Friday 5:30pm, Yoga Shala SE, All Level Vinyasa
Sunday 12:15-1:30pm Exhale Yoga (for Kimi Marin)
Sunday 12:15-1:30pm Exhale Yoga (for Kimi Marin)
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