The moon – shining big and beautiful in the sky. Mysterious, dark, magical. Women – radiant; reflecting the moon’s stages of new, full and old. The Maiden, Mother & The Crone. There was a time, before modern street lighting and our hectic, round-the-clock lifestyles when women were in touch with their bodies, spirits and their cycles were in sync with the moon.
During our period or ‘Moon Time’, it is important to take a step back from hustle and bustle, shorten the list of commitments for the week and take the time for introspection and nurturing. Without this there is potential for imbalance in the body and mind; of hormones and spirit.
When these imbalances occur we experience PMS – yes, that is not a ‘normal’ part of the menstrual cycle but most of us experience it , cramps, mood swings, depression, anxiety to name a few. In reality, it would be difficult for us to call up our bosses once a month and say ‘Got my period, need a few days of to take care of myself!
The rest of the world will keep on working and unfortunately careers, financial responsibilities and family commitments mean that we must continue, in order to keep the cogs turning!
That does not mean that we cannot take this time for introspection and nurturing – it simply means we must find other, creative ways to practice things that seek balance and harmony for the female body and spirit. Yoga is one of the ways that we can find this balance and calm.
Specifically Lunar Flow yoga which works with the cycles of the moon, aiming to bring balance to the hormones and the female cycle – helping to alleviate depression, PMS, hot flushes and so on.
Throughout most of the month we focus on the effects that hormone fluctuations have on the body and mind. And we practice the Yin, cooling, Moon Salutations as opposed to the Yang, fiery, Sun Salutations that many yogis have incorporated into their daily practice.
Gentle Asana for Moon Time
For relieving lower back pain, cramps – gently massaging the abdominal area – and dispelling stress and anxiety, alternate between practicing cat pose and cow pose.
Practice Child’s pose – opening up the back body and allowing the body to rest and relax whilst we turn inward.
Bound Angle Pose – For opening up the hips , soothing cramps and alleviating mood problems.
A short meditation for practicing at the beginning of your yoga practice.
Breathing in, I see the moon, shining bright and radiant, in my mind
Breathing out, I am safe, surrounded by it’s gentle light
Breathing in, I feel the moon’s positive energies
Breathing out, I allow these to heal me
Breathing in, I am aware of my emotions
Breathing out, I nurture and care for emotions without judgement
Breathing in, I feel strong and grounded
Breathing out, I feel love for myself
Breathing in, I am relaxed
Breathing out, I am at peace
This has been a very quick look at Lunar Flow, it’s practices and benefits – I’d recommend attending one of our YogaBelles Lunar Flow classes for maximum benefit.
Namaste,
Austen, Trainee YogaBellies Teacher, Dundee.
Bound Angle Pose – For opening up the hips , soothing cramps and alleviating mood problems.
A short meditation for practicing at the beginning of your yoga practice.
Breathing in, I see the moon, shining bright and radiant, in my mind
Breathing out, I am safe, surrounded by it’s gentle light
Breathing in, I feel the moon’s positive energies
Breathing out, I allow these to heal me
Breathing in, I am aware of my emotions
Breathing out, I nurture and care for emotions without judgement
Breathing in, I feel strong and grounded
Breathing out, I feel love for myself
Breathing in, I am relaxed
Breathing out, I am at peace
This has been a very quick look at Lunar Flow, it’s practices and benefits – I’d recommend attending one of our YogaBelles Lunar Flow classes for maximum benefit.
Namaste,
Austen, Trainee YogaBellies Teacher, Dundee.
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