How yoga supports equilibrium through seasonal changes
If you have been to my class, you have heard me talk about the effects the five elements (air, water, fire, earth & ether) have on our life-force (‘agni’). When the elements are in balance, our health is optimal; if out of balance, our health is affected. Believe it or not, seasonal transitions strongly affect our internal elements: one type of yoga practice may have supported you well during one season, but may not be what supports you best in the next.
When considering Yoga through the lens of the elements, there are three primary seasons throughout the year:
- Winter – Early Spring: our water/earth (Kapha) element tends to weigh us down.
- Late Spring – Summer: our fire (Pitta) element can burn us up.
- Fall – Early Winter: our air/ether (Vata) element can have us feeling ungrounded.
What we have only been able to brush over in our weekly classes, we now have the opportunity to dig deeper with this series. This class will assist us in navigating the shifting tides of the seasons and the corresponding elemental effects on our bodies. Join me on a 9-class tour through the seasons with best practices to support us through them. (Classes may be taken as an entire series or individually.)
At the start of each season, a new elemental season encompasses 3 classes:
Class 1: An intro to the current dosha: its background, a physical practice, and dietary support
Classes 2&3: Additional yoga types to support you through the dosha’s duration (and transition.)
Season 1: Water/Earth
February 3, 2018, 1-3pm Introduction to Kapha (water/earth)
March 3, 2018, 1-3pm Kapha practice Backbending
April 7, 2018, 1-3pm Kapha practice Flow
Season 2: Fire
May 12, 2018,1-3pm Introduction to Pitta (fire)
June 16, 2018, 1-3pm Pitta practice Twists
July 14, 2018, 1-3pm Pitta practice Forward folds/restorative
Season 3: Air/Ether
September 22, 2018, 1-3pm Introduction to Vata (air/ether)
October 20, 2018, 1-3pm Vata practice Healthy spine or hips
November 17, 2018, 1-3pm Vata practice Digestion or pranayama
Where: Delta Mind Body Center, 2014 10th Street, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $270 for the whole series ($30 ea); $40 if taken individually.
