Spring is a time for change and growth in the world around us. Let that inspire and cultivate internal growth, stimulation, and revivation. Growth in plants occurs when there is sufficient nourishment from roots as well as the air, atmosphere, and sunshine. In these 7 amazing spring yoga poses that focus on grounding and growing, we will channel that energy to awaken and enlighten.
These poses start with a strong foundation of the feet rooting down into the earth. This is essential in creating support and to draw nourishment from beneath. From there, these poses grow up tall towards the sky—often with the heart shining directly up to allow light and inspiration to come in. Let’s get into it!
1. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Everything starts small before it can grow big. Imagine your Child’s pose as a small seedling resting in the soil of the earth. Come to this place to recognize and appreciate the small beginnings that are necessary for growth.
2. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)
Image credit: Kate Swarm
Upward salute as if you are the first tiny bloom to shoot out of the ground. Reach up high towards the sun, collecting its energy to nourish you. Meanwhile, your feet stay attached to the floor as if they are connected by roots.
3. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog)
Upward Facing Dog is one pose of the traditional Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara). Sun Salutations were traditionally performed just as the name says – as salutations (a greeting or acknowledgment of appreciation) facing towards the sun. So, in your Up Dog, let the sun (or imaginary sun) shine on your skin and feel your appreciation for its rays.
4. Ardha Dhanurasana, Kneeling (Half Bow Pose)
Within a flower bud, there is much potential energy bound up tight. Burst into your kneeling Half Bow shape as if you are a flower blossoming for the first time. As your heart is lifting up, allow yourself to open your heart to the new possibilities that springtime offers.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” -Anaïs Nin
5. Anjaneyasana (Anjaneya’s Pose, or Low Lunge)
Feel your feet firmly rooting and pressing down into the ground to provide support and a strong foundation. As your feet root down, your upper body is able to rise and grow, finding length and expansion in Anjaneyasana.
6. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Image credit: Alissa
Backbending poses are known for their energizing effects. By stretching across the chest and creating more space, you can improve your respiration. A similar effect is seen in the abdominal region, where expansion of the space there allows for improved digestion and elimination.
As you backbend, you are gently constricting the blood flow around the spine. When you release from the backbend, blood flow around the spine increases and can offer many healing effects. Notice any new found energy as you practice Ustrasana.
7. Natarajasana (Dancer’s Pose)
Just as in Ustrasana, use this backbending pose to help cultivate new, revitalizing energy – both internally and externally. On the outside, you have a beautiful, heart-opening backbend that tests the limits of your hamstring flexibility, increases energy, and teaches you concentration and grace. On the inside, the posture cultivates feelings of strength and power as you stand strong and balanced.
These 7 amazing spring yoga poses that focus on grounding and growing have channeled the energy associated with springtime to awaken and enlighten you. After practicing these poses, you will feel grounded as well as expansive, and ready to face any changes that come with spring.
Image credit: Kate Swarm
