I write this from my office at seven in the morning, the doors are thrown open, and I can hear the birds singing outside. What bliss! It is the week of Beltane, taking place on the day of the full moon (Friday 5th), but traditionally marked on May 1st. This week's sessions have all centred around this theme, which has been wonderful.
I woke up super early today and decided to create a meditation where you become the maypole. Seven ribbons are weaved and draped around you, bestowing each chakra's different strengths and gifts. The ribbons are then gently unravelled, releasing any imbalances or challenges. I really enjoyed delivering the meditation, and the feedback was great, so it's one for next year as well.
Yoga is so much more than what happens in class or on the mat. And I wanted to share some easy ways you can welcome in the warmer months if, like me, you find great comfort in connecting with the seasons and really experiencing each turn of the wheel of the year.
May bath
Gather some safe herbs, flowers and foliage from your garden or local area. Of course, common sense prevails here, do not pick anything you are unsure of - or anything known to be toxic or reactive in any way. If these come from your garden, you can probably use them immediately, but if they are from elsewhere, rinse them under a sieve for a minute or so. Gently shaking them first can also ensure no little bugs are hiding within.
Scatter them in your bath and enjoy a ritual soak among the blossoms and foliage. It is so healing and a lovely way to connect with Spring. You can add essential oils if you like.
Walking meditation
If you can access a private outdoor area you know is safe, barefoot is the way to go here. This can be practised indoors if that feels more private. Feeling the ground underneath your feet is incredibly soothing, and if you can safely close your eyes, even better. Otherwise, keep your gaze downcast. If your space is small, you can walk in circles.
In this meditation, we focus on the feeling of the ground under our feet, so keep visual distractions to a minimum.
We’ll begin standing. Close your eyes with your feet hip-width apart and your
arms relaxed by your sides. Root your feet to the ground, and feel the energy that travels
from the earth, up through your spine and out through the crown of your head. Notice how the more you press down into the earth, the taller you feel.
Focus on the connection between your feet and the ground and the sensation in your legs.
Spend a few breath cycles here, simply noticing how the body feels.
With your eyes still closed, slowly shift back and forth from your heels to the
balls of your feet a few times. Notice what arises in your awareness with this slight movement. Feel balanced and secure here.
Slowly walk forward and notice at which point are you in contact with the earth and when are you not? Is there ever a point where you are not held by the earth? Allow the boundaries between your body and the elements around you to break down.
Continue with the movement with awareness and contemplation. Continue until you've reached your path's end or your time is up. Then, spend a few moments standing still.
Close your eyes, and return to the sensation of feet rooted to the ground. Allow yourself to feel held, notice the energy that the earth gives back to you when you surrender to the earth, and release your heaviness. Notice your breath. And then slowly, open your eyes.
Connect to plants
There is so much life to experience this time of year; we can connect with plants in many ways. Grow your own plants from seed, buy some houseplants, identify plants and learn about the medicinal properties of our native species, forage, press flowers, create a spring wreath. The possibilities are endless!
I hope I have given you a few ideas to connect with the season's energy. Again, wishing you a blessed Beltane. May the long time sun shine upon you.
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