Spring Equinox, Yoga, and Balance
We welcome March with open arms, and are truly excited for Spring Equinox! Although temperatures are still cool, the earth’s soil is erupting with life and the birds are singing a new song. It’s nature’s time of cleansing, starting fresh, and finding an equal balance within—not just in our physical surroundings, but within our hearts and souls, as well.
It’s common over the winter (and not just for animals) to feel inclined to hibernate. The early darkness and cold air makes it easy to stay indoors and get cozy. This is Mother Nature’s way of letting us know that it’s time to slow down and rest for a while.
During this time, life tends to feel unbalanced in many ways. With limited exposure to sunlight and a typical cutback in physical activity, our bodies and minds can take an emotional and physical hit of sorts.
Naturally, after some time, we begin to feel ready to get back outside and take in deep breaths of warm sunlight. How sweet it is to step outside, stretch your arms towards the sky and let the sun beam down on your face!
Spring Equinox
Spring Equinox for the northern hemisphere takes place on March 20th, when the earth’s two hemispheres unite with equal amount of darkness and light (night and day). This creates a true moment of balance and the dawning of spring, which many of us regard as hope for new beginnings and a fresh start.
Embrace this moment to find your own balance alongside the earth’s. What kind of balance are you looking for or think you may need?
Physical Balance
Physically speaking, achieving proper balance isn’t just necessary for standing on two feet, but for all things we enjoy doing again as spring sets in. (Riding a bike, hiking, walking, paddling, swimming and so on.) These activities will help improve your overall well-being and can help prevent you from illness or getting hurt.
Finding balance comes from within and radiates to the outside of oneself, and can be easily achieved through practicing yoga and these three simple rules:
- Breathing comes first as it is the bridge between your mind and body, and must be established before holding a steady pose. Holding your breath causes tension and makes you shaky in your stance.
- Focus. Practice focused gazing (Drishti) by finding an object within a few feet and steady your focus towards it for balance. Keep breathing.
- Finally, plant your feet with even weight and press down on the outer edges.
Emotional and Spiritual Balance
To many religions dating back thousands of years, Spring Equinox is regarded as a spiritual gift from the atmosphere. The energies received from the balance of darkness and light truly reflect in our emotional well-being and peace within. The same energies can be further driven through practicing yoga and meditation where your intent is on cultivating a healthy and balanced emotional setting within your soul.
At Parallel Yoga, we’ll be celebrating Spring Equinox on March 20th with open hearts! It also happens to be our very own Kara’s 40th birthday that day—a new decade to be welcomed with hope, joy, thankfulness, and gratitude.
Join us at the studio to balance your mind and body with the beginning of a new season, and please visit our website to learn about our classes and schedules.
Happy Spring Equinox from Parallel Yoga.
Namaste.