Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we have officially started summer. Days are at their longest and warmest, and, as the song suggests, living is easy (or at least feels that way.) How should we adapt our yoga practice to stay in synchronicity with the season? Whether this means changing up our Ayurvedic practices, bringing ourselves more in line with the pagan wheel of the year, or simply adopting a ‘school’s out!’ frame of mind when we arrive on our mats, summer can be a wonderful yoga experience. Here are some ideas to make 2023’s warm weather memorable.
In Ayurvedic thought, we’ve entered pitta season, which means heat, intensity, and (depending on where you are) possible humidity and/or dryness. In order to stay comfortable, we ideally seek balance. This suggests cooling foods, relaxation, and hydration. Take a moment to think about these three ideas: what kind of fun do they suggest? Personally, I love the idea of visiting farmer’s markets, putting together different salads and sandwiches for picnics, and changing up my coffee house order to iced tea. (Yes, I know that Ayurveda considers ice a damper on digestive fire, but as guilty pleasures go, this one’s fairly innocent, or so I like to tell myself.) Try the European way and sit outside on the patio when you go to restaurants. Have dinner with friends and take the time to connect. Spend an afternoon at the park or beach reading a good novel or magazine. Go to an afternoon movie! There are all sorts of ways to slow down and enjoy the season.
In terms of the pagan wheel, this is traditionally the time before the harvest, when we begin to see the fruits of our labors. I’ve lived all my life in a city, and so I think of this as metaphorical: what in my life is coming to fruition? When I taught high school, I could look back on the school year, assess the good and bad, and make plans for the future. Now that I’m retired, the summer seems like a time to enjoy the physical health I’ve cultivated at the gym and in the yoga studio: taking hikes or walks and dancing at parties. Do you belong to a local garden? If not, perhaps this is the time to join – there are all sorts of wonderful events that take place, both inside and outside, during summer evenings.
How will I tune up my yoga practice? Summer is a great time to focus on flexibility. Yin and restorative yoga both allow me to slow down and relax. On the downside, the added stimulation of light and heat make it more difficult for me to meditate. Yet again another reason for slower yoga that helps me to tune within.
I love Surya Namaskar, so I’m still going to include it in my practice – but I will approach it in a different way. Instead of going faster to wake up my body, I’ll focus instead on integrating breathing with movement. When I move into specific poses, I’ll take my time going in and out; I’ll also stay in each pose longer than I normally do in order to maximize the strengthening and stretching aspects. I might also practice outside, or with an open window.
How does the Summer Solstice change up your yoga practice? I’d love to hear your responses.
Yoga Cielo Stellato 