This is the last of our series on news you can use from Yoga and Ayurveda to have a healthy Spring. So far we’ve covered Spring eating, Spring movement and Spring breathing. This post is on Spring meditation.
Meditation is meditation, right? Well, yes and no. Some people find a meditation style that works perfectly for them and they use it for years and years. But for many of us, our meditation style shifts with the seasons, just like our eating, movement and breathing.

So what exactly is a Spring style of meditation? It will take its cues from what we know about the Spring season, such as the heavy, slow, nurturing qualities that describe the kapha dosha in Spring. Here are some practices to consider:

Sitting meditation: This is a time of year when we can really take advantage of the heavy, slow qualities by emphasizing their best features—stability and stillness. We may find that sitting quietly is actually easier this time of year. Find a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit up straight in a chair or on the floor; even sitting back against a straight wall can help. Set your timer for 5 minutes and follow your breath. If your mind wanders, continually return to your breath. Gradually add time until you’re sitting for 20 minutes.

Walking meditation: If the heavy, slow qualities of kapha are dragging you down, get up and walk. The traditional way to do this is to walk slowly and mindfully by concentrating on each step. One breath per step for 10-20 minutes. Another way to do walking meditation is to get out in Nature—go to a park or walk a trail all the while listening, looking and enjoying the gifts of Nature. No worries allowed to accompany you on this journey!

Give generously from the heart: The most loving and big-hearted people are those with kapha constitution. We can all take a cue from them by giving generously from our heart by making delicious foods to share with others, giving donations to charities that directly help people or animals, or listening without judgment when someone shares their pain or concerns.

Here’s to having a healthy Spring naturally. You can do it!

Welcome to part three in our series on news you can use from Yoga and Ayurveda to have a healthy Spring. Previous posts were focused on Spring eating and Spring movement. Let’s explore Spring breathing.

If you live in a place where allergens abound, this time of year can be challenging. And no, it is not your imagination—allergies ARE getting worse each year. Lots of factors contribute, including warmer global temperatures, poor food choices, staying cooped up indoors too much, and just overall increasing toxicity of the environment. Do not be discouraged, however, because there are things you can do to breathe better in the Spring.

Wear a mask. If you’re going to be outside pulling weeds or otherwise disturbing the plants in your yard, you should definitely wear a mask so as not to deeply inhale all the allergens. If you’ve been outside for quite some time, wash your clothes, take a shower and put on fresh, clean clothes.

Diffuse a minty essential oil. Set up a diffuser in your work space and add a few drops of essential oil, especially eucalyptus, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and peppermint, which clears the sinuses so you can breathe better and relaxes smooth muscles to reduce coughing.

Use a neti pot. Mix warm distilled water (NOT tap water) and a small amount of salt to rinse both nostrils. Salt thins the mucus and blowing your nose at the end clears it out. The neti post can be used morning and/or night, so choose the time that will bring you the best relief.

Practice Brahmari (“buzzing bee” breath): Sit in a comfortable way so that your spine is long, such as on the edge of a chair or on the floor. Inhale the breath through the nose, on the exhalation, hum. Hum so that you feel a vibration in your throat and head. Practice 10 humming breaths. Take a short break and practice 10 more. If your sinuses are congested, hum with a high pitch. If your chest is congested, hum with a low pitch. Otherwise, use a normal pitch.

May you breathe deeply and with confidence and joy for all this Spring season will bring.