Week One of the Challenge

It was great to see so many of you at the Challenge Kick-Off class and through the weekend. If you missed the Kick-Off class, the recording can be found here.

Spring can be a frenzied time. Energy is being freed from dormancy, creative processes are fuelled, and intentions are being set (and set aside). To balance this motion, we need to take time to orient and ground our body and mind. Yoga is by nature a grounding activity. When on our mat or cushion, we are continually working with the gifts of gravity; in our breath, our body, and the charge of our mind and heart.

We’ve made a little introduction video where we share our suggestions and intentions for this challenge.

Efforts and Intentions of the Week

Pace and Rhythm

As we move into the first week of the challenge, one of the main efforts is finding a pace and rhythm of practice that is sustainable, for the next three weeks and beyond. Chris and I vary the intensity and length of our practices from day to day, and take days off when we need to. Some days, rolling on the carpet into gentle stretches is enough, and other days, we’re moving up and down and all around. Even though this is a 3 week challenge, give yourself space for the ebb and flow of life, so you can find balance and continue to enjoy doing your yoga practice.

Meditation #1: No Walls

Our first meditation for the Challenge is an outdoor meditation. If you can, find a place outside to practice (but it can also work inside). This meditation is inspired by a line from the Heart Sutra: “No walls and therefore, no fear”, where walls serve as a metaphor for how we sequester our attention to the limits of habits and beliefs. Bows to the late Michael Stone for the inspiration.

Grounding Practices

Alissa has compiled a handy list of grounding practices for the spring:
Bare feet on the earth, Hands in the soil

• “Earthing” can be touching any earth element with your skin.
• If you can’t touch the earth, feel your feet or seat wherever you are and imagine connecting to earth, a tree, the ocean.

Minerals connect you to earth elements

• Supplementing minerals in the evening aids relaxation.

Touch

• Skin on skin
• Something soft (furry friends, blanket, etc.)
• Warmth

Embodiment Practices

• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Chi Gong
• Walking Meditation
• Somatics

Aromatherapy

• Earthy scents (cedarwood, cypress, clove, etc)
• Chamomile
• Frankincense, Myrrh
• Lavender