We are calling in MINDFULNESS this March.

We step out of hibernation and into an uncovering— an unveiling of the winter season. Layers begin to come off naturally and we can see clearly it seems. In this blog, we have curated a few practices for you to create more mindfulness as you transition from winter to spring. We step into the opening that spring holds after the layers winter brings.

THE YAMAS + NIYAMAS

The Yamas (moral) and the Niyamas (observances) are traditionally the “moral code” for right living based in Eastern yoga culture. Like a rule of thumb of what to carry on the mat, and embodying it enough to take it with us off the mat too. We love these pillars as a mindfullness practice as we can sift our lives and our experiences through them.

We have created a list of what this might look like— foundational pillars, off the mat and out of the Studio and mindfully carried with us into life.

YAMAS:

Ahimsa | non-harm

Speaking to yourself in a way that offers yourself and your inner child compassionate love.

Satya | truthfulness

Allowing yourself to know and stand in your truth, no matter how it might make others feel.

Asteya | non-stealing

Allowing yourself to say no, or to set a boundary to honor what feels right for you.

Brahmacharya | moderation of energy

Taking time to rest without having to earn it, or feel guilty.

Aparigraha | non-hoarding

Allowing yourself to continually assess if a material possession brings joy, or if you can live with less, creating more energy in your life.

NIYAMAS :

Saucha | cleanliness

Taking care of your body/vessel in a way that is sustainable and nourishing.

Santosha | contentment

Offering up gratitude for what you already have. Seeing the blessings that exist already in your life.

Tapas | dedication + moving forward

Allowing yourself to take small steps into radical change within rather than making too big of external commitments that might be hard to do.

Svadhyaya | self study

Allowing time and space and energy to see yourself and honor your needs day to day.

Ishvara-Pranidhana | devotion to the greater good

Can you offer something to your community, donate your time, items you don’t use anymore, etc. Giving back to raise the community vibration.

These are beautiful foundations that allow us to put intention at the root of it all. Connecting with each one, which stands out the most? Calls you to the carpet? Challenges you in a way that invites you to release and expand? Reflect on these today.

Have a “Yoga” meal.

A practice from our Yoga Teacher Training— get really in touch with your plate.

Practicing Mindfullness means bringing it into every part of your life. We emphasize creating practices that are OFF the mat so it can be a more all encompassing process. We recommend eating at least one yoga meal everyday. We encourage you to journal your experience afterwards!

Guidelines:

Remain seated.
During the entire meal, refrain from external distractions such as watching TV, listening to music, answering the phone, conversations, social media.
Once food is in your mouth, set the utensil down and refrain from picking it back up for the next bite until food is completely chewed and swallowed.
While chewing, note the texture, taste, and temperature of the food. Compare and contrast bites of the same type of food as well as bite of different types of food.
While chewing, think about where the food came from and what nourishment it is giving to your body.
Try not to judge the food and instead just let it be what it is. Ex. Likes and/or dislikes or is it too salty or too bland? Etc.
Try new foods or even revisit foods you’ve tried and liked. Try to be mentally neutral while eating.
Become aware of your cravings as you navigate your plate.

Take a walk.

“If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” – **Hippocrates**

As our physical earth begins to thaw and awaken, its a perfect opportunity to spend time outside moving the body. Walks are scientifically found to recalibrate our minds in a powerful way. Sometimes to get into the body we just need to tap the body into new mindfulness. The thump that your feet make on the ground during a walk generates new brain cells. Shifting your eyes from side to side helps the brain process blocked feelings and thought processes. It is a fool proof, golden TOOL.

So lets go for a walk.

The bigger challenge— don’t bring your phone, don’t listen to anything, just you and the sounds of the earth.

Like an open field, waiting for the ground to thaw and new life to come forth, we to can stand in the open and take witness to what is waiting for us.

There are SO many ways that we can get really mindful. Yoga truly is the observation OF observation. Step back from being IN the experience for a second and make sure its allowing you to expand, that it feels in alignment with the end all goal. When we create awareness and mindfulness in the things we do, the places we go, we allow for intentions to align and everything begins to feel more divine.

Because it is.

We hope you carry forward with new intention, so you can keep creating a life that you are aligned and connected to. We love you so much.