Summer is a season that comes with its gifts and setbacks. The longer days combined with school holidays make for perfect beach getaways, but with the rising temperature outside, you also need to combat the transformative heat within your body. According to Ayurveda (aah- your-vay-da: sister science to Yoga), Summer is considered the season of Pitta (pith-ta), a form of energy made up of fire and water that causes transformation (think of the acids in your stomach). The way you combat Pitta is by introducing opposing elements. Think of a forest fire. What would quickly and effectively put it out? When you introduce the element of space (lack of air) and earth (heavy, like sand), you can manage the surging heat.
Pitta in the body shows up as acidity, heat, restlessness and irritation, among other things. You combat these symptoms with compassion, acceptance, relaxed effort, and cooling practices. The seat of Pitta in a human body is the stomach and the area between the navel and the heart. Design a practice to work with these areas in the body to open, stretch, and cool.
Where to begin?
1. Atmosphere: See if you can create a dark, cool place for practice. Add soft, soothing music, or no music at all.
2. Breath: For a refreshed mind and body, avoid overheating with vigorous Pranayama, or breath practices, like Ujjayi. Keep to Dirgha (3-part complete yogic breath) and if you practice, Shitali (she-ta-lea) or Sitkari (sit-car-e). Breathe so quietly that not even you can hear it. During Asana practice, let out exhalations through the mouth and with a sigh. Another Pranayama that you can try is Candra Bhedana (chundra-bhey-dun-a: left nostril breathing).
3. Body: Your Asana practice should include deep stretching and relaxing, preferably done early in the day (before 10am). Incorporate many wide-legged postures and postures that create space in your armpits, side body, and groin. Include twists that wring out the seat of Pitta. For example, a practice can include Prasarita Padottanasana (wide-legged forward fold) with twists, Trikonasana (triangle), and Bhujangasa (cobra) among others. Add a longish Savasana with visualization techniques.
4. Mind: Engage in a letting-go meditation, something that soothes and allows the mind to settle. Keep your gaze inward, just behind your heart. Try a sound bowl meditation.
Challenge yourself to not push, while allowing freedom and creativity to blossom. Focus on the experience, not the outcome. Yoga is not a competition so don’t allow the postures to become stringent. Let each pose take shape and flow, gracefully and with complete contentment. And most importantly have fun!
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