As we move through this cycle of potent light and heat energy, the earth experiences the opportunity to blossom and produce fruit more fully. However, this can happen only if the energy of the sun is balanced with periods of rest and refreshment which comes in the form of water. The same is true for our own wellness. Each of us needs periods of activity, which encourages growth and expansion; and we need time to receive the benefits of rest, relaxation and nourishment, so that we can continue to renew ourselves. This dynamic is evident in all forms of life; everything pulsates. In our Anusara yoga practice we call this pulsation, spanda. It is up to each of us to be aware of what we need to keep this pulsation in balance. As we are experiencing now, there will be times where there is more of one quality than another; but if we want to feel and function at our highest potential there should always be some element of the opposite quality of life to keep things in better balance. This is why the yin-yang symbol looks as it does: a field of white with a spot of black and a field of black with a spot of white.
At this time where nature is calling us out into the world, it is helpful to have some activities or lifestyle habits to help keep us centered and collected. You might visualize the diversity of water. As the heat energy of the sun shines more fully, water begins to simmer, bubble, and then evaporate. The human body is more than half water (55 - 80% at any given time). This means that at a physiological level, your energy, your cells, also have the potential to be simmering, bubbling, or evaporating based on what you are doing with your time. In a balanced state, you will also be brimming with life force energy. However, if you embrace the season, you have the potential for increased growth and clarity. Get out there. Enjoy the warmth of the sun. Give your body some extra movement and don't be afraid to sweat! Sweating will allow you to experience an internal cleaning that is natural and healthy. In a country where 1/3 of the population and 17% of children are now considered obese, many of us can stand to clear out accumulated debris.
I was recently turned on to author Natalia Rose. She has been a great source of inspiration for me; focusing on not only the importance of what you put into your body with your diet but also making sure you create good opportunities to clear out based on timing of eating and other lifestyle factors. Look for my book review of her book, "Detox 4 Women" coming soon.
While the warmer months, bring the potential for growth and clarity, there is also the potential for burn-out and fatigue. It is important to take time to rest, relax, and just enjoy yourself to keep energy flowing fully. It goes without saying that it's important to drink plenty of water and to stay hydrated by eating refreshing fruits and veggies.
This week in my yoga classes, I am exploring the fluid quality of water to inspire students to draw more fully into the inner resources of peace and clarity. This time of internal reflection and increased inner awareness can help to cultivate greater personal harmony that can then also be extended into the spaces around us. Classes this week begin with a meditation that includes a visualization on the various qualities of water. On one hand, water has the capacity to evaporate and dissolve into thin air and as the water cycle completes itself, it will condense back together in the atmosphere and once again take liquid form coming back to earth as rain and dew. By pulling the aspects of ourselves tighter together we can also can begin to feel more focused, clear, graceful and powerful. We are exploring twists and forward bends with fluid action to tone and purify the body~mind. A rhythmic breath with complete and balanced inhalations and exhalations will encourage a balance of both tranquility and vitality. Classes will be topped off with a nice long savasana and restorative poses to relax more deeply. Our ending meditations explore the questions of how our own life force energy is flowing. Are we feeling fluid, energized, nourished and clear or depleted, dried up, burnt out or congested? With this awareness, we can ask ourselves how to condense, collect, and utilize energy to keep us feeling and producing our best. By embracing and embodying the qualities of the liquid form of H2O, we experience graceful power, a sense of connection and cohesion, purity, clarity and refreshment.
I'll be taking a little break from teaching over the next couple of weeks. You can catch me subbing tonight at Balance Yoga Center from 6 - 7:15 or tomorrow at Shine Yoga Center from 7:45 - 8:30 for some really delightful practices. I'll be back at Balance Yoga Center on Monday, August 8th.
Live well ~ Be well, Kate
www.flourishunlimited.com
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