Awakening with Spring: A Yogic Journey into the Season of Renewal

As the earth stirs from its winter slumber, spring arrives like a gentle breath—soft, fragrant, and full of promise. Trees bud with new life, birdsong returns to morning skies, and the sunlight lingers a little longer each day. This season of renewal calls us, as yogis, to align with nature’s rhythm—to shed layers, awaken our energy, and plant intentions.

Spring invites a yogic practice rooted in vitality and presence. Just as seeds break through the soil, our bodies too are ready to stretch, strengthen, and blossom. Let’s explore a spring-inspired sequence that blends movement with breath, helping us reestablish harmony with the natural world.

Part I: Asana Practice — The Dance of Awakening

This sequence is designed to mirror the qualities of spring: emergence, flow, and lightness.

1. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar A & B)

Symbolizing the rising sun and returning warmth.

• Purpose: Warms the body, increases circulation, and energizes the spirit.

• Tips: Focus on fluid transitions and breath awareness with each movement.

Diagram: Flow of Surya Namaskar A and B with breath cues.

2. Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) with Backbend

Like sap rising in a tree—spine lifts, chest opens.

• Purpose: Opens hips, activates the heart chakra, and builds strength.

• Breath Cue: Inhale as you lift your arms; exhale to deepen the lunge.

3. Twisting Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)

Spring is about detox and dynamic movement.

• Purpose: Stimulates digestion, wrings out tension, and improves focus.

• Breath Cue: Inhale to lengthen the spine; exhale to twist deeper.

4. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Embody rootedness and expansion, like a budding tree.

• Purpose: Builds balance and grounding; cultivates patience.

• Breath Cue: Slow, steady breaths—imagine drawing nourishment from the earth.

5. Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

Joyful expression, openness, and surrender.

• Purpose: Opens heart and shoulders; enhances creativity.

• Breath Cue: Inhale to lift the heart; exhale to relax into the pose.

6. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

A gentle closing, inviting introspection.

• Purpose: Calms the nervous system, stretches the spine and hamstrings.

• Breath Cue: Exhale into stillness; allow the breath to lengthen naturally.

Diagram: Each pose illustrated with alignment cues.

Part II: Breathwork (Pranayama) for Spring Clarity

The air is different in spring—clean, fragrant, and full of life. These breath practices reflect that shift:

1. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Balances the left and right energy channels.

• Effect: Clears the mind, restores balance.

• How-to: Inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right, then reverse. Continue for 5–7 rounds.

2. Kapalabhati (Shining Skull Breath)

A breath of fire to ignite inner energy.

• Effect: Detoxifies and energizes the body.

• How-to: Rapid exhalations through the nose, passive inhalations. Begin slowly (30–50 rounds), rest, then repeat.

Part III: Yogis in the Tapestry of Nature

In the ancient yogic view, we are not separate from nature—we are nature. Our breath is the wind. Our blood, the rivers. Our spine, the mountains. Our cycles mirror the moon and sun. Spring is a sacred reminder of this connection.

To live as a yogi in spring means to:

• Observe: Watch the growth around you. Notice the rhythms in your body.

• Honor: Practice outdoors when possible. Sit under a tree. Touch the earth with reverence.

• Participate: Just as bees pollinate and rivers flow, we too have a role—through kindness, presence, and creation.

Spring is an invitation to return to joy, to shed old narratives, and to remember: we are not apart from the earth—we are her living breath.

Closing Mantra

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

Suggested Spotify Playlist: “Morning Yoga & Nature Awakening”

Recommended Reading:

The Secret Teachings of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner

The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche