March 2020 yoga and the equinox
Yoga, the equinox and spring – three reasons to celebrate
Welcome to March, and welcome to my monthly newsletter. I hope you are well and enjoying the odd moment of sunshine.
March is a month of transition as we move from winter into spring; the days are getting longer and warmer, nature is starting to wake after its winter sleep. For me, times of transition mean I need my yoga to ground and centre me. Taking that theme into classes this month we’ll be looking to help calm our cluttered minds by focusing attention and culturing a point of stillness in our movement. And of course it’s the equinox so we’ll play with balancing, just for fun!
Y = yin and yang
O = Om and other mantras
G = gratitude
A = asana
Yin and Yang
The spring equinox falls on 20 March at 3.49am in London this year. And it’s the day when there is an equal time of day and night before we move into the longer days of summer.
If you’d like to host a small ritual to celebrate the sun’s return, you might like to create a spring altar …
Find a special area in your home, you could use a fire place or mantelpiece
Gather some things that make you feel happy, such as a candle to symbolise light returning, a feather, some crystals, fresh flowers to represent awakening, incense or some smelly oils
Arrange them to look beautiful
Light the candle and take a few moments in meditation and gratitude for the return of the sun
I’ll also be celebrating the sun’s return with 108 Surya Namaskaras at dawn (5.30ish), do let me know if you’d like to join.
Om and other mantras
As I’m writing this my friend Christina sent me a message with this mantra, it’s one of my favourites so I share it here …
“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”
Which translates to …
May all beings everywhere be happy and free. ⠀
May the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
Here’s a beautiful version to sing along to while you learn the words … FREE
Gratitude
My mum’s birthday was on the 20 March, the same day as the equinox and this month I am taking time to be grateful for my mum and the things that she taught me. These included: be adventurous, make things, tell stories, be brave, stand up for what you believe in, care and learn to cook. I miss my mum, but not her cooking - she was a terrible cook.
What are you particularly grateful for this month? What are you grateful that your mum taught you?
Asana
My asana of the month is vrksasana, tree pose. Grounding, centring and a balance! Perfect for spring and the equinox. It strengthens the muscles and ligaments in the standing leg. It helps one focus and stills an overactive mind. Try it everywhere! On the tube, waiting for traffic lights to change, in the queue at Sainsbury’s. And for a little extra challenge try it with your eyes closed.
Have a great month. I look forward to flowing with you in class …
March classes, all at ClaphamSpace, 1 Landor Road, SW9
Tuesdays: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24 and 31st at 8.15pm.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Namaste
Claire x
🙏