Lighten Up this Spring: Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga

Written By: Mary Abranyi - Cashiers Valley Fusion | Issue: March-2022

As we say goodbye to winter and begin the transition into Spring, we are greeted by longer days and new beginnings.
A time of new growth and transformation. An opportunity to emerge from winter’s darkness, releasing the stagnation of the past several months to meet the new season with a sense of vibrance and upward rising energy. An opportunity to purge and detox. 

A springtime lifestyle detox allows you to lighten up and rid the mind, body, and even the home of unwanted toxins and unnecessary clutter. It helps bring you and your spaces into balance and alignment.  

  When approaching the mind and body components of the detox, consider substituting negativity with mindfulness practices that are intentionally positive, consistent, and expand awareness. Declutter negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, judgment, criticism, and habits that aren’t in your best interest. Explore journaling, breathwork, meditation, yoga, and clean eating, all of which can inspire positive gains when practiced with regularity.  

Journaling transfers thoughts from the mind to paper. This process can be quite therapeutic and is conveniently
available anytime. 

Breathe. Purging toxins through focused breathwork is another powerful practice that can reduce stress, improve lung capacity, and promote better sleep. Meditation can bring amazing clarity and joy and although the benefits are plenty, it’s important to note there can also be negative effects, especially for anyone who has gone through a traumatic life experience. Fortunately, there are many meditation techniques available to try. If one technique doesn’t resonate, transition your efforts to another.  

Yoga unites the mind and body and although breathwork and meditation can be practiced independently, they are also key components of yoga. Many yoga postures help to stimulate our digestive organs and other internal organs such as the kidneys and liver and eliminate waste through sweat, urine, bowel movements, and when coupled with focused breathwork, each exhale also works to eliminate toxins.

Clean eating is another mind body practice that can serve as a detox in the short-term or become a regular, long-term healthy habit. This is a lifestyle choice that aligns mind, body and home. 

What you put in your refrigerator and pantry end up in your body and what you put in your body affects your mind. Eating “brain foods” like salmon and other oily fish, nuts, seeds, berries, dark chocolate, avocado, and whole grains that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps to build and repair brain cells and can support positive brain function. 

Consider meals that include a variety of healthy ingredients like smoothies, salads, soups, and stir-fry’s. Other clean eating tips include drinking plenty of clean water, eating organic foods that aren’t full of toxic pesticides, eating little to no sugar, eliminating processed foods, and reducing or eliminating dairy, meat, and alcohol from your diet. A kitchen purge and replace is a great addition to any lifestyle detox as it helps to reduce temptation by removing those not so good for you foods and replacing them with healthier options.  

When approaching the home portion of the detox, also consider purging other spaces like closets, drawers, garages, desks, laundry rooms, etc. Anywhere clutter has accumulated, and energy has become stagnant is a great place to begin. Let go. Adding plants throughout the home will help to purify the air, cleansing the environment you live and sleep in. Air purifiers are also a nice addition. Trade out toxic household cleaners for non-toxic options, change out air filters, and open windows to let fresh air in and stale air out.  

Lastly, and possibly one of the hardest for some, turn off the news and put down other electronic devices.  Make it a habit to disconnect on a regular basis. This one habit of disconnecting can create a stronger connection with yourself and with those around you. It allows you to be present more often and it cancels the negativity of the news. Live in the moment. If you get bored, head out for a hike or take a relaxing bath, both are also great for detoxification.  

Although challenging, the reward of committing to new practices that are healthier and inspirational is well worth the effort. The key to success may be to start slowly, taking small steps at first then bigger and bigger until one day you may just find that your spring lifestyle detox has become more like a way of life!