Summer yoga: creating a balanced practice with ayurveda

Peaceful, easy twist

I love, love, love the summer; the bright, early mornings are a perfect call to practice. Holding the sun in my heart I begin my sun salutations with a joyful spirit. The body is warmer and looser in the summer and it should be possible to sustain a vigorous asana practice. 

Here are some suggestions: 

 - Surya namaskara; between three to five each of type 'A' and 'B' from the classic astanga vinyasa practice. Or vary the classic hatha sequence; introduce a standing twist following warrior. 

 - Use the power and energy of a strong inhalation to sustain standing poses such as garudasana and utkatasana, holding each for five slow breaths, maintain drishti!

 - Explore backbends and twists more deeply; the exhilaration and freedom of urdhva dhanurasana is hard to beat! 

Now for balance: let us not be tempted to create a one-sided yang practice; imbalance is the cause of stress and ultimately injury and illness in the body and mind. Ayurveda advises us to temper the pitta or fire element of summer with measures that cool the constitution. We wish to avoid overheating the body and the emotions! 

Meditative shoreline practice at dusk

 - Favour the cool early morning or dusk. Refrain from practising between midday and three pm when the sun's energy is most powerful.

- Enjoy strong poses, but release any forcefulness or competitive thoughts. Don't be tempted to push yourself  further or deeper; cultivate a relaxed attitude of lightness and playful enquiry.

 - Counterpose strong asana with restorative poses: forward bends and supine twists. Lengthen your exhalation in these poses and surrender deeply, allowing the body to fully relax.

 - Practice in loose clothing made from natural fibres, light colours if possible: pale blue, green and white evoke the cooling tones of  nature. 


 - During meditation, focus on heart centred loving thoughts; releasing irritations and frustrations towards oneself or others.  Metta meditation is great and so is the Buddhist mantra: Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu May all beings be happy and well.

 - Visualisation: walking along a shoreline at dawn or dusk, feeling the cooling breeze upon your skin, soothed by the calming flow of the waves. 

 - Post-practice: drink plenty of water. For extra benefit add a 30ml shot of pure aloe vera juice.
 
Enjoy your yoga and stay well!

Recommended reading : Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley
View additional photos from my visit to Goa, March 2009  on facebook