Awaken & Renew: Embracing the Energy of Spring Through Yoga

There’s something magical about the shift from winter to spring. The light changes, the air feels fresher, and nature slowly stirs awake. Just as the earth begins to bloom, we too have an opportunity to awaken—physically, mentally, and energetically.

In my own practice and teaching, I notice how the seasons influence the way we move and feel. Winter often encourages a slower, inward focus, while spring invites a sense of expansion and possibility. This is the perfect time to shake off stagnation, reconnect with movement, and step into a renewed sense of self.

The Seasonal Shift: Why Spring is the Season of Renewal

Spring is a time of transition—a bridge between the stillness of winter and the energy of summer. In yoga, we often talk about the balance of sthira (stability) and sukha (ease)—and this season naturally brings both. There’s a sense of grounding as the earth becomes more alive, but also an invitation to move with more fluidity and lightness.

On a physical level, you might feel the effects of winter in your body:

• A tendency to round forward (hello, winter hunch!)

• Tightness in the hips from sitting more

• A sluggish feeling from moving less

Spring is an opportunity to reset—to open up, breathe deeper, and bring more energy into our movement.

Awaken Your Body: Movement as Renewal

In my classes, I emphasize functional mobility—helping students move in ways that support them in daily life. In spring, that means:

• Opening the front body after months of huddling against the cold

• Activating the deep core to support an upright, energized posture

• Bringing in rotation and lateral movement to shake off stiffness

Instead of thinking about movement as something to push through, I invite you to see it as something to wake up to—to notice how your body feels each day and move in a way that supports renewal.

Breath as a Reset: The Power of Awareness

One of the simplest ways to shift your energy is through breath. I sometimes start my classes by bringing awareness to the breath, not changing it right away, but simply noticing: Where do I feel the breath? Is it shallow or deep? What happens when I allow more space?

A simple breath reset you can try:

• Inhale deeply through the nose for a slow count of 4

• Hold for a moment, feeling the fullness

• Exhale through the mouth with a sigh

• Repeat 3-5 times and notice the shift

Breath is the bridge between body and mind, and when we give it our attention, we naturally feel more awake and connected.

Journaling for Renewal: Reflect & Reset

One of my favourite ways to align with seasonal transitions is through journaling. Writing things down creates clarity—it helps us recognize what we’re ready to let go of and what we want to invite in.

Here are a few prompts to explore this season:

• What am I ready to awaken within myself?

• Where in my life do I need renewal?

• What movement or breath practices make me feel most alive?

• What small daily rituals can help me feel more refreshed and present?

There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just write what comes up. Sometimes, even a few words can bring insight.

Bringing This Into Daily Life

You don’t need a full yoga class to embody Awaken & Renew. Small, intentional shifts can make a big difference:

• Start your day with a full-body stretch—reach your arms overhead, take a deep breath, and notice how it feels to expand.

• Pause for breath awareness—set a reminder to take three deep breaths midday.

• Get outside—even a short walk can reset your energy.

• Move in ways that feel nourishing—whether that’s yoga, dancing, or simply rolling around on the floor (one of my favourite ways to wake up the body!).

Final Thoughts: Step Into Spring with Intention

This season is a reminder that renewal doesn’t have to be dramatic—it happens in small, mindful moments. Whether it’s a breath, a stretch, or a simple pause to check in, every moment of awareness brings us closer to feeling truly awake in our own lives.

So, I invite you to reflect: How do you want to step into this new season? What would help you feel refreshed, aligned, and ready for what’s ahead?