Spring is FINALLY here, bringing with it a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. The season of growth and rebirth is upon us, and with it, the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and step into the light.
The Grounded Goddess Retreat is officially fully booked as of yesterday! However, applications are are still being accpted for the waitlist in case of any cancellations.
This Month’s Resources
Morning Energy Flow
Enjoy this Morning Energy Flow in the FREE Video Content section of our website. This class was filmed last month in beautiful El Zonte, El Salvador.
Legs Up the Wall
Viparita Karani, or legs up the wall pose, is one of our all time favorite poses. It is great for circulation, lymphatic drainage, nervous system reset, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stress. Our favorite benefit? It activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) means stimulating the branch of the nervous system that promotes relaxation, calmness, and restoration. The PNS is responsible for counterbalancing the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. It also lowers cortisol, slows heart rate, and stimulates drainage (flushing toxins, reducing puffiness, and lowering inflammation). This pose pushes fresh, oxygen-rich blood back to your heart and brain.
How do you it? Sit down next to the wall and scoot your body toward it. Then, swing your legs up against the wall as you lie down on your back (see photo below). You can stay in this position for 10-20 minutes.
Why You Should Do Yoga Outside
Because being outside is good for your body and mind! As this article states: “Modern life has made it much easier to become “an indoor car” than an outdoor one. “According to Heather Eliassen, ScD, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green space has been linked to improvements in sleep, blood pressure, and physical ability, as well as reduced risks of chronic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. “Evidence is also accumulating that exposure to green space is associated with lower total mortality,” she says.”
“One reason for this link between nature and good health, says Dr. Eliassen, is that studies have shown higher levels of physical activity in those with more exposure to green space.” Time spent outside helps to regulate our circadian rhythm. The light from the sun not only regulates our circadian rhythm but also boosts our ability to regulate sleep and mood. Spending time in nature (especially while grounded) helps to mediate our exposure to environmental harms, specifically non-native electromagnetic fields.
Time spent in nature has also been shown to decrease stress and help to rejuvenate, calm, and center the mind. “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination. Improved mindfulness can result from exposure to green space as well.”
Vitamin D is a known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports immune health, muscle, and brain function, according to Mayo Clinic. The sun produces infrared light which can also relieve inflammation and relieve pain. Taking deep breaths helps to provide oxygen to the brain and activate the parasympathetheic nervous system, but doing so outside with fresh air can rejuvenate your body, improve lung fuction, and promote better circulation.
We as humans are truly beings of light. Just like plants, we need the sun to survive. Our skin is a solar panel for our brains and hearts. Getting early sunlight into the eyes within the first few hours of it rising aids in optimal health and can help prevent sunburn later in the day when the sun is at its strongest (UV light). This can aid in building a solar callus (melinating your skin aka getting a tan!) and not burning. Spring time is the best to start getting sun exposure for summer. Not wearing sunglasses helps the body know that it is sunny and produce more melanin which is another way to avoid sunburn. Please note that SSRI’s and other prescription medications can make you photosensitive to light. Many sunscreen includes chemicals that can cause cancer. If you are in the process of building a solar callus try a tallow based sunscreen such as: Vanman’s or Dakota Tallow sunscreen.