Become Grounded

The month of March brings to mind a number of things for me: Grandma’s Birthday, St. Patrick’s Day, Daylight Savings (sadly losing an hour of sleep) and the First Day of Spring. Thursday, March 19th with be the first day of spring this year. Spring has always signified a time of new growth or regrowth, the beginning of a cycle or a fresh start to me. A yoga pose that is commonly used to allow for a moment or pause, to focus on breath and alignment, before starting a new sequence or “cycle” of posses is Tadasana or Mountain pose. When coming into this pose you begin by grounding through the four corners of the soles of your feet, feeling them rooting into the mat. An option to lift the toes and stretch them out as you place them back down onto the mat may help you feel more grounded. Stacking knees over ankles, hips over ankles and shoulders over hips, the spine begins to lengthen as you lift through the crown of your head. Growing taller with each inhale and becoming more rooted into the mat with each exhale. Rolling your shoulders back and down, keeping them away from your ears. Arms at your sides with palms face forward and fingertips reach towards the ground. This asymmetrical pose creates balance within the body. This is symbolic of the Spring Equinox, which occurs on the first day of spring, when the daylight will be the same length as the night in most parts of the world. As you begin this new season, whether you’re entering into a cycle of new growth or regrowth, take a few moments in Tadasana, focus on your breath and become grounded.