“Spring is far more than a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” — Toni Sorenson
Weekly Focus: Bardo — intermediate, transitional state between death + rebirth
As we emerge renewed from Winter, how do we navigate the space between dormancy + vibrant life? This space might make us feel vulnerable + exposed, so let’s use this space to discover the creative potential of our lives! There can be a dullness to winter, especially near the end. We are absolutely TIRED of being stuck inside! The quote of the week says it all — Spring is a rebirth of SPIRIT!! So, how do we navigate this transitional space? The back and forth of thinking “spring is here,” and then “no second winter is coming,” can be utterly exhausting. But there is something to appreciate in the transition — this is the time to decide how you want to explore your energies and plan for the upcoming months. Often times, the “in-between” or the journey is where the magic happens, so maybe we try exploring those spaces. This might be a great time to look into new hobbies you have been curious about, begin a new book series, or finally plan that garden you have been dreaming of. You have time to transition, so allow yourself patience to explore and dream, and to notice the spaces between.
Passive Pose of the Week: Ananda Balasana — Happy Baby Pose
Experience the sheer joy of playful baby-ness 🐣 in happy baby. Lying on your back, draw the knees into the belly and reach your hands for your ankles or your feet. Keep your knees bent and press your feet to the ceiling. Much like a baby lying on their back and reaching for their toes — see where you can explore. Perhaps rock a little side to side, straighten one leg at a time — within these spaces you may find a spot that feels really good, that goldilocks moment. Linger in the spaces that welcome your body.
Active Pose of the Week: Urdhva Mukha Svanasana — Upward Facing Dog Pose
Upward Facing Dog serves as the transition between chaturagana dandasana and downward facing dog — perhaps try lingering here longer than usual to explore the in-between. From your belly, bring the hands to the floor beneath the shoulders. Press into the hands, straightening the arms, allowing the torso to lift and arch, creating a backbend. Press down so strongly through the tops of the feet that the legs begin to lift from the floor. Let your shoulders draw back, feeling a pinch between the shoulder blades and exposing the chest. Take a few moments to breathe here and feel the space in the body.