PRACTISING YOGA IN THE LIGHT OF THE FULL MOON

As a yoga teacher, it is very inspiring to look at the sky, the ocean tides, seasons and colors in

the nature and prepare the class according to what we can observe and experience around us.

But moon phases really hold a special energy! I can feel it in my body, even if there was another

inspiration for the sequence, moon is affecting the way my body and mind flows.

And as a woman, its safe to assume that many women are experiencing similar shifts in their

body. Moon moves the oceans, draws the tides, so of course it moves the water in our bodies!

We may feel more bloated, more tender, our senses may run deeper and more intensely. It well

may be the special time of the month, physically and spiritually, and consequently, emotionally

as well.

In yogic philosophy, moon is connected to swadhistana chakra, the second energy center

responsible for our sense of self, emotions, creativity, desire, pleasure. Swadhistana is governed

by the water element, and this is what helps us in our flexibility: on a physical level with

lubrication of joins, hydration of the body for clearer mind, but also on spiritual and mental

realms. It is water that encourages to always reinvent ourselves; it cleanses us from previous

reality and brings us pure into the new one. It gives us courage to drop the old and become

someone new.

Because just like the moon, our life constantly changes, it may be full and rewarding one week

and feel very empty and lonely the other. But we got so very used to linear life that is

constantly evolving and progressing, becoming new and unrecognizable, that we forgot that life

is actually running in cycles, just like the moon, like the seasons, like humankind. Instead of

seeing the ever-changing and returning to the roots as a comfort and encouragement, we

perceive it as disappointment.

From cosmic perspective, moon is showing the way. In the light of the full moon our spirits are

high, the path is clear, even if the way is not yet determined. Full moon encourages release and

realizations. The energy within is waking up, we know what we want and we feel inspired to

achieve it. But when there is no moon, we may retrieve into solitude for reflection, for

reconnecting with our true selves, for healing and rest. When the sky is dark, we may even feel

a bit lost, more tired and confused, so we look for safety and comfort in our homes and set

intentions for the new cycle.

So tonight, on the full moon, we will practice moon inspired yoga flow; we will open our hips,

massage the belly where the water element resides and where we store our unrealized dreams.

We will release the blockages in the hips and heart to encourage the flow of good energy, for

the confidence to change, for the comfort that hard times too shall pass. For the open heart to

embrace the light and feel supported and not alone, for love and gratitude. For the deep

emotions, insights and realizations that may stay hidden without the light of the full moon.

And no, we won’t need a broom to fly through the moon lit sky, but maybe a yoga mat can help

in safe landing.