Spring is a time of renewal, welcoming the opportunity to begin again.
The liver and gall bladder are connected to the season of spring.
The main job of the liver meridian is to keep the energy in the entire body regulated.
When out of balance, we may physically experience fatigue, migraines, tight hips and low back pain.
Emotionally, we may experience erratic emotions such as anger and frustration.
During this practice, allow yourself space to feel and completely surface any emotions.
While stretching these energetic pathways, notice any of the physical sensations that may accompany that emotion.
The three principles of Yin Yoga:
1.
Come into each pose to your appropriate edge, finding the place where you feel a sensation.
If youre feeling it, youre doing it.
Relax the inner thighs and groin.
Bring some gentle spinal extension into the pose opening across the chest and at the front of the shoulders.
To come out, bring your hands to your knees to help the thighs back together.
Mindfully come off the bolster.
Hug your knees into your chest and rock side-to-side for a few breaths.
Distributed your weight equally across your forearms.
Allow your shoulder blades to draw back and down.
Soften the belly, buttocks, thighs and feet.
If it feels too intense, take the elbows forward or place a bolster below your underarms.
To come out, slowly lower yourself down to the earth by making a pillow with both hands.
Turn your head to the right and change sides.
Notice any subtle change in your energy as you come out of the pose.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Come to sit back onto your heels.
Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs.
Notice any subtle shifts in energy.
With each exhalation, try dropping even further into this shape.
Inhale to lift your heart, and exhale to slowly lower down to the earth.
If you feel pressure in the right knee, slide your right foot in toward your seat.
Use a block or pillow under your seat if your hips are floating off of the ground.
Come into Child’s Pose for a few breaths before changing sides.
Again, notice any subtle energy shifts coming out of the previous pose.
Breathe deeply into the lower back and outer hip.
As you exhale, imagine any tension or stress (mental, physical, emotional) leaving the body.
Changing sides, repeat with the left ankle.
Dragonfly Pose (Upavistha Konasana Variation)
From sitting, separate your legs a comfortable distance apart.
Soften the leg muscles and feet.
Begin to walk your hands forward and bow your head.
Rest your brow on the mat, a block or bolster, allowing the upper back to slightly round.
If if feels too intense, stay upright with your spine.
For the last minute, change the positioning of the prop or remove it entirely to go deeper.
Exhale as you fold deeper.
Your right arm is outstretched above in a cactus shape, and left hand over the right knee.
Take your gaze toward the left.
you could place props under your knees to support the weight of your legs.
To come out, bring both arms down by your side returning both legs straight to center.
Changing sides, repeat twisting to the right.
Fold to the right side first and then changing sides, twist to the left.
Repeat twice more, then allow your breath to flow naturally.
With each exhalation let go, release and fall deeper into this space.
Photos courtesy of the author
