Embodying the Earth: Nurturing Your Ashtanga Yoga Practice During Taurus Season

Embodying the Earth: Nurturing Your Ashtanga Yoga Practice During Taurus Season
As the season of Taurus approaches, we are reminded of the Earth's abundant beauty and how she nurtures us with her fertile soil and lush greenery. Taurus energy is grounded, stable, and sensual. It invites us to connect with our bodies, cultivate patience, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. For Ashtanga yoga practitioners, Taurus season can be a time to deepen our practice, tune into our breath, and honor the physical form that carries us through life. Whether you are starting or continuing your Ashtanga journey, here are some tips to help you embody the essence of Taurus and stay grounded on and off the mat.
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Seasonal Self Care with Essential Oils

Seasonal Self Care with Essential Oils
Seasonal self-care essential oil rollers applied to the feet and spine corresponding to the seasons, organs, and emotions, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine  (TCM), are a powerful way to restore balance in the body and mind. For example, during fall, you could use an essential oil blend of peppermint and eucalyptus that supports the lungs and large intestine. Additionally, this blend helps us feel more grounded, centered, and connected with nature as we transition into a new season. 

When applying essential oils to the feet and spine, it is important to remember that the whole body should be addressed during this ritual. 
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I will not abandon you

I will not abandon you
As nurturers, caretakers, and even entrepreneurs, there will always be one more need to be attended to, an obligation to fill, and tasks to be done. When is enough enough for today? When does that person who is always pouring out become a priority? I ask because I've asked myself this same question many times this week, and the only things that have soothed my would are the words; I will not abandon you. 
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Accent The Ether

ACCENT THE ETHER
What I love most about the new and full moon is that they both accent the ether and remind us that to everything, there is a season, that the shifts of life are part of the human experience we can count on. For some of us, change is more challenging than others, but it's rarely comfortable for any of us; however, it can often lead to something beautiful if we choose flow over force. 

On the full moon ( day before, of, and day after), I like to incorporate moon salutes with specific essential oils into the classes I instruct. Moon Salutations are cooling and quieting. They are used to calm the mind and draw the awareness inward. Roll Peace & Calming or  Stress Away on the spine and mastoids to help reduce nervous energy and stress. These essential oils may help you sink more deeply into postures for restoration. 

Since some of us have cycles synced to the moon or are working on it, I thought I'd throw in another fun full moon fact. Specific shapes can help bring balance during menstruation and pre-menstrual syndrome. The Deep Relief blend in a roller reduces the physical symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome. I recommend applying to the low back and abdomen, then taking a child's pose, legs on the wall, or reclining queen. If you are taking a deep stretch class like the one I teach at 11 on Saturdays, you could potentially tap into some deep emotional stuff, those dang hip openers! Be sure to have emotionally supportive oils nearby; you can always message me for suggestions. 

Saying affirmations is another beneficial practice to incorporate on a moon day or any day. After working with an incredible mindset & life coach this past year, I have a top tip about creating a practice that brings results. Between thoughts that may be way too accessible or extraordinary, try to find an affirmation that feels more true to you. For example, if you are healing from recent grief, instead of saying "I am handling whatever life brings my way," accessible or  "I am vibrant, whole, and fully alive," extraordinary; you could try "I am here, I am breathing, and I am in the process of healing."

What is your affirmation? I'd love to hear in the comments below. 

If you like this kind of content,  join my Self Care Commune on Facebook. I curate this kind space for people to discuss seasonal self-care with asana & essential oils. 




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