Early summer already?

So the first school run after the spring holiday here this week was in 42 degree heat, which made me think that perhaps I had better hurry the whole seasonal yoga thing on a bit and take the spring flow forward into early summer before we all melt away entirely. I've spent the last few days cleaning up my act on a mini detox, taking part in an Instagram April detoxing posture challenge and ignoring the leftover Easter chocolate, and now I feel ready to get started with the new challenges of the season, even if it is a little too much too soon for my liking.

Soak up the early summer heat.

This transitional time of year builds on the spring stretches and twists, holding them for longer, and bringing in more repetition to develop flexibility and work deeper into the muscles and connective tissues (fascia).  It also starts the preparations for summer by introducing more movement and back bending to the flow in order to build heat and stimulate the heart.  Finally, we focus on hip openers (pigeon variations, fire log pose, lizard, happy baby etc.) to help us connect with our emotions and release any tensions we have been storing away down there.  In each posture we focus on taking the stretch from the centre, right out to the tips of our fingers before re-gathering our energy back in.  For example, try flowing from Garudasana (eagle pose) to Virabadrasana (Warrior) 2 then back to Samastitihi.  Like this movement, the season should be a beautiful balance of energising effort and gathering in, using the internal strength we have cultivated to help us to put all the plans we have made for the year into action.

You can see a short video of some of these postures that you could combine with a few sun salutations each morning for the perfect mini early summer flow here:

MLH Yoga - early summer

Diet should continue to focus on detoxing, building in more raw foods and juices and keeping meals crisp and light. As always look for what is seasonal, even if it has been flown in from afar.

Early summer is also a time for socialising, joy and laughter, which suits the outgoing side of my personality perfectly.  In Abu Dhabi there is a real feeling of making hay whilst the sun shines (but not too much) as we are all aware that our days outside are numbered and soon the stifling desert heat will trap us back in a state of air conditioned exhaustion.  In the mean time stretch, flex, breathe & smile! 

Key Seasonal Points:

Season - early summer
Dates - 21st May - 21st June
Organs - Pericardium, Triple Heater & Connective Tissue (Fascia)
Colour - pink
Element - early fire

For more information on Seasonal Yoga check out Energy in Season: 5 Keys to Vitality by the amazing and inspirational Susan Woodd and Julie Hanson.