Mid-Spring is abundant with blooming flowers and flourishing plants. Ayurvedically speaking, this season is governed by Kaphaenergy, the dosha of growth, coolness, heaviness stability, loyalty and longevity. Looking to the chakras, it’s the heart chakra or Anahata that governs springtime, linked to love, emotions, kindness and compassion, the sense of touch and a strong connection to nature. The combination of Kapha energy and heart chakra influence means this time of year is an opportunity to reconnect with nature both around and within us, and nourish our inner and outer environment. If you’re looking for a way to align your yoga practice and life with the season, try a few of these ideas and see what works for you.

Morning Light

Rising as close to sunrise as possible is a wonderful way to align yourself with the rhythms of the day, and the rhythms of the body’s internal clock. As primal beings we’re naturally inclined to wake with the sun, and when we step outside to expose the eyes and therefore the brain to sunlight, our body clock starts ticking to a healthier rhythm which is more supportive of sleep/wake cycles and digestion.

Pranayama

Often referred to as ‘breath’, prana really represents life force Our life force is affected in many different ways including movement, sunlight, fresh air, food, meditation, and of course breathing. The element linked to the heart chakra is air, and breathing techniques are a very direct way to work with this energetic place. Simply breathing consciously and feeling the movement of the diaphragm and stomach can help elicit a powerful relaxation response, allowing us to become more present and aware of how we feel moment to moment.

Care for Your Agni

Digestion needs special attention during the Spring season, as we can sometimes suffer from indigestion or sluggishness. Keep things moving by sipping warm water throughout the day, adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cumin to your meals, and avoiding dairy products if you notice a white coating on your tongue in the mornings. The chakra located at the stomach is Manipura, just below the heart chakra. When this place is balanced and working well, it allows the energy of Anahata at the heart to function more optimally.

Sense of Touch

The heart chakra relates directly to the sense of touch, which is a powerful sense many of us miss out on if we don’t get enough face-to-face human contact throughout the day. Just as primates interact with each other via touch all day, we too build strong bonds through the simplest of touches such as holding hands, hugging or even giving someone a pat on the back. Human touch can also help relieve stress levels, contribute to a sense of safety and community, and lower levels of inflammation.

Going Green

Green is nature’s colour of health, and a colour than can provide us with big benefits when we eat it. The heart chakra is also represented by the colour green, so try creating a heart-healthy and naturally nutritious meal by using seasonal ingredients like asparagus, watercress, spinach, broccoli and chard.

Mantra Practice

The bija or ‘seed’ syllable mantra for the heart is Yam (pronounced ‘yum’). Chant this with the hands placed in prayer position or Anjali mudra and your focus directed to the chest to bring more energy and balance to the heart centre.

Metta Meditation

Heart-centred meditations can help bring us closer to the world around us with just the power of our own thoughts. Metta meditation is also known as Loving Kindness meditation and involved sending feelings of love out to others and feeling it for ourselves too.
Find a guide to practice Loving Kindness meditation here.