Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blahs and give our yoga practices a refresh. I’ve gathered some simple tips to help us renew our practice this season:
1. Try something new! Whether it’s a different style of yoga, a new instructor, or a different space than the one you usually practice in, switching things up can change your perspective and renew your interest in your practice.
2. Get Outside! There’s nothing like feeling the sun on your skin and the grass beneath your feet. I love a spring-time walking meditation through the woods as they start to come alive again, or just sitting in a beam of sunlight and feeling it on my skin.
3. Set goals and intentions: Whether it’s mastering a challenging pose, improving balance, or finding more peace of mind, setting goals and intentions can help guide us and keep us focused. When I was trying to learn bakasana (crow pose) for the first time, I dedicated a few minutes of each home practice to related poses and techniques. After a few months of focused effort (and guidance from some of my favourite teachers), I was able to fly.
4. Just like the unpredictable weather in spring, our practices can have their ups and downs. Be open to change, listen to your body, and go with the flow. Letting go of a goal (even just for a short time) because it is no longer serving you can be a powerful learning experience in and of itself.
5. At the beginning or end of your practice, take a moment to think about something you’re grateful for. Gratitude is a powerful feeling that can help you feel more connected, which is the true purpose of yoga.
With these simple ways to refresh your yoga practice this spring, I invite you to embrace change, growth, and renewal on and off the mat with me. May your practice be filled with curiosity, gratitude and strength. Namaste!
Yoga With Nicole Allison 