May Theme of the Month

May is a great time of the year to reflect the spirit of spring to work with the energies of renewal, cleansing and balance. We can reflect this time of the year at the allotment too which has been very busy for us over the last few weeks. There’s been lots of sorting out plants and seedlings, clearing spaces for new pots and trays, making room by planting out those that need to be outside now and supporting plants that need have got big by tying them to small canes so they can grow better.

It feels a bit like spring cleaning at the allotment, getting organised and making sure we have enough of everything, tidying up weeds, keeping paths clear, chopping down all the cover crops to get the soil ready for planting in and keeping the greenhouse tidy, emptying pots that had seedlings in that had been eaten by slugs. And to make time to tidy up our sheds!!!

You may have felt lately you are staring to sort out things like clothes lately, what fits, what doesn’t, putting away some of the warmer layers to make room for the lighter clothes and a general bit of tidying and organising. The days are starting to feel a bit longer with the lighter mornings and evenings. I feel I can get a bit more done now like having my morning walks before class and yoga practice, it’s much easier to get up with lighter mornings and to enjoy the warmer weather.

I find the morning is such a good time to create time for yourself. It’s often a lot quieter before the hustle and bustle of the day kicks in. For me I feel good knowing that I’ve tried to set my day bringing in time for myself and finding a nice routine. We are lucky to have plenty of parks around us in the area and I find early morning walks so refreshing on the mind and the body. There’s something about hearing the clearer sounds of the birds, the quietness of the day, the coolness of the air on my skin and the sun as it begins to creep in. I know a lot of people are so busy and pushed for time now but even if you made 5-10 minutes at least for yourself in the morning to move, stretch, breathe, meditate or simply slow down and find the peace of your day while you have a drink or if you eat breakfast. It’s such a good way to start your day and let that energy or intention flow through into what you will bring into your day.

This months theme is all about creating space physically and mentally and allowing new energy to flow into our bodies and our mind. We will include breathing practices that help to stimulate this flow of energy such as kapalbhati and the Ujjayi breath. Just like when we clear a room or a cupboard and how that effects our energy, we can apply the same feeling through our yoga practice. We will also continue with our Egyptian Sun Salutations which repetition is a great benefit itself which helps to form habits and master skills.

Spring Cleaning - Creating Space

Week 1 – Creating Space Within
Creating space is a great theme both in class and in our life. We can create space in our body through our poses and with different breathwork. As our minds quieten, we become more present. As we release physical tension and mental clutter, we allow a more ease of movement in the body and a clearer mind.

Week 2 – Decluttering Your Mind and Body
Practicing yoga regularly can help us let go in the mind and body. Benefits such as improving focus and reducing stress can lead to peace and clarity. Flowing with the body and breathe is a great way to get out of the busy mind space especially if you find it hard to focus and constantly feel busy.

Week 3 – Inspiration and Creativity
Our yoga practice can help us to boost creativity and provide inspiration by helping to enter a state of calm and clarity. Creativity arises naturally from a state of stillness and being present, and yoga can help us achieve this state by quieting the mind. Often doing a different variation in a pose, or a simple slow flow sequence can improve our inspiration and creativity powers.

Week 4 – Reach for the Sky
Focusing on the sensations of lifting upwards in poses just like plants or branches reaching towards the sun. Feel the energy move up your body with each breath as you stand tall and reach for the sky. Allow yourself to extend from the ground up.

Related Videos

Creating Space
Invigorate Body & Mind
Lengthen To Twist
Spring Into Yin
Yoga For Spring

This Month’s Music

Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.