YOGA PAIRING
Check out our March yoga flow with our favorite yogi, Ashley.
2 parts peppermint, 1 part lemongrass, 1 part eucalyptus
Desert Rain Essential Oil Blend
damp earth ∙ garden herb ∙ bright citrus
This invigorating essential oil trio captures the fresh and earthy aroma of rain—a perfect blend for early spring. The three oils work together to combat stress and boost brain function, while invigorating the senses, clearing the sinuses and supporting immunity.
After hibernating for the past few months, it is time to get outside and connect to Mother Earth! During this time, the migrating birds return and we begin to notice the blossoming of spring flowers. This month’s practice is influenced by characteristics of this lively season. We will pair our Desert Rain Essential Oil Blend with a heat building sequence that syncs with warmer weather and the elements of spring.
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1. Sunbird Pose (Chakravak)
Begin in tabletop. Bring your legs hip width apart, hips above the knees and shoulders stacked over the elbows and wrists. Bring your gaze a few inches in front of the hands so that the neck is long and in line with the spine. Bring awareness to your core by drawing your navel towards the spine. On an inhale, extend one leg up and straight back. Reach the opposite arm forward, with the palm facing the midline of the body and thumb facing up toward the sky. Hold for 5-10 breaths. Repeat on other side.
The name of this pose comes from a red colored mythological bird called a chakravak, (sunbird) that would appear at sunrise, bringing warmth and light.
2. Benu Bird Pose (Benvasana)
Begin by kneeling on the floor. Extend one leg out to the side and press the foot to the floor. Keep your other knee directly below the hip, so the thigh is perpendicular to the floor. On the inhale, bring your arms out to your side, parallel to the floor, palms down. On the exhale, take the torso close to the earth and extend arms back, past shoulder level. By spreading our arms we can connect to the feeling of flying like a bird. Hold for 5–10 breaths. Repeat on other side.
The Benu bird is a mythological sun bird of ancient Egypt, which symbolizes creation and rebirth.
3. Heron Pose (Krounchasana)
From staff pose, bring one leg back into half hero pose. Bring extended leg into the body by bending your leg and placing the foot on the floor, right in front of the sitting bone. Place your right arm against the inside of the left leg (so that your shoulder presses against the inner knee). Cross your hand in front of the left ankle and grasp the outside of the left foot. Lean back slightly and keep the front torso long. Lift the chest and hold this position for 5-10 breaths. Repeat on other side.
This pose encourages you to find what draws you to action. The heron represents inquisitiveness, curiosity and determination.
4. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
From downward facing dog, bring the right leg up and back into the sky. Bend your right knee and bring that leg forward, placing your knee on the floor behind your hand. The right shin may angle back or be parallel to the front of your mat. Release your left knee to the floor. Square your hips towards the front of the mat. Extend both arms up and bring your hands together. Lift through the torso and find a slight back bend. Hold for 5-7 breaths. Repeat on other side.
Pigeons symbolize assurance and confidence in challenging situations. Tapping into this pose can help you develop the confidence you need to embrace this new season.
5. Bird of Paradise (Svarga Dvijasana)
Start in side angle B pose. Bring your top arm behind your back and reach your bottom arm under your thigh, grab your top wrist for a bind. Look down at your front foot, and step back foot up to meet it at the front of your mat. While maintaining the bind, engage your core and stand all the way up on your supporting leg. Straighten your lifted leg and point your toes to the sky. Hold for 5-10 breaths. Repeat on other side.
In this pose we experience the depth of paradise and renewal within the body by emulating the shape of a flower. This pose opens you up to vulnerability. opens the hips and hamstrings and strengthens the legs and core.
6. Lotus Mudra
Spring is the season of hope and renewal. Utilize the lotus mudra and spring season to grow, bloom and prosper. This mudra opens the heart chakra and is a symbol of light and beauty emerging from darkness. Begin by bringing your hands in front of the heart center. Keep the base of the hands together, along with the thumbs and little fingers. Allow the fingers to gently open and imagine light emitting from within the center, out towards the sky. Close your eyes and take 5-10 long, deep breaths.
Namaste friends.
We hope you have a lovely day!
These poses and pose descriptions were generously provided by our favorite yogi, Ashley. Ashley is a Ruidoso, NM based instructor who loves teaching, traveling and tea!
Keep up with Ashley on Instagram:
@ashzuri
Try these floral & herbaceous tea blends for the spring season.
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