Journaling, Yoga and Embracing the Seasonal Change
Cultivating creative outlets to embrace and nurture your highest Self during times of seasonal shift
This spring we have so much energy. So much in bloom. So much water flowing. Take 10 minutes and write/journal on what is blooming for you in your life right now. Or what is blooming in your heart. If you need inspiration for this, sit in front of a flower and observe it for 5 minutes before writing.
If written expression doesn't feel right for you then explore other creative avenues of reflection: drawing, painting, composing a song, or artfully preparing nourishing food for your body. Cultivation and reflection in creativity can be found almost anywhere!
Pausing in reflection can offer so many things for us: cathartic release, enlightenment, empowerment, or a deeply grounding experience. Harnessing the power of written word to check-in with ourselves and cultivate deeper self-awareness can open doors to the vastness of the Universe and the depths of our soul. If you are seeking to dive deeper into your reflective writing practice, or have interest in starting one, consider joining us for our Writing from the Heart retreat from May 31st to June 2nd in beautiful Yosemite Valley. Led by Heather Sullivan with special guests, participants will be guided and inspired by the landscape and yogic practices to embrace their inner, one-of-a-kind voice. Visit our Program Calendar for more details on this new and exciting retreat in Yosemite!
Redbuds in bloom on banks of the Merced
Photo credit: Bryan Weaver
Practices & Remedies for Springtime Allergies
- Heal your gut: Nourishing the body with light, warm, cooked vegetarian food allows the digestion fire a chance to rest. Allowing the gastrointestinal tract to reset provides gut stability so you can enjoy raw greens and salads come summertime.
- Decrease or avoid dairy products: Consuming dairy products inherently causes mucous and hinder the body's process of removing toxins. To ease congestion opt for dairy-free alternatives to allow the body to process and remove toxins more efficiently.
- Drink warm, cleansing water: Cleansing the body by drinking warm water with lemon and/or local honey is a simple and effective remedy for calming irritated passages. Lemon acts as a purifier and detoxifier, while local honey gently soothes and comforts. Not a fan? Drinking ginger lemon tea is also a wonderful alternative.
- Consider herbal compounds for immune support: Allergies can feel impossible to manage if our immune systems aren't being supported. Using herbal compounds to assist can be incredibly helpful. Our friend Prashanti de Jager has an Ojas Mix from the Himalayas that helps support the immune system, which features Ashwaganda, Cinnamon, Saffron, Suduchi, Licorice, Arjuna, among others. Visit his website and Instagram for more information and inspiration.
- Use a Neti pot: Spring bloom brings high levels of allergic agitators that can wreak havoc on your sinuses. Clearing the nasal passages with warm salt water offers some relief to allergic congestion. *First time users please defer to your preferred health practitioner before using a Neti pot
- Gentle exercise and pranayama: Practicing relaxing asana and breathwork allows for refocusing the breath and re-centering the mind. Mellow poses like Cow (Bitilasana), Cat (Marjariasana) and Cobra (Bhujangasana, see above photo) allow for gently warming up the spine and opening up the chest space which can feel tight during spring allergy season. Moving with the cadence of your breath permits the body to decompress and return to a state of rest.
allows for expansion and relief in the chest space
Photo credit: Josh Helling