THE JOY OF JUNE INSPIRED BY YOGA

On this June day the buds in my garden are almost as enchanting as the open flowers. Things in bud bring, in the heat of a June noontide, the recollection of the loveliest days of the year - those days of May when all is suggested, nothing yet fulfilled. - Francis King

June is the month we transition from the season of spring to summer. Sometimes summer brings feelings of overwhelm and scatteredness; it can also be overflowing with optimism, joy, growth, expansion, connection, and love. The practice of yoga invites us to stay balanced and grounded during June as spring turns the corner to welcome June’s joy and summertime fun! It also invites us to grow and bloom where we are and create the life we desire.

This transition from spring to summer occurs gradually but is announced by the arrival of Summer Solstice and International Yoga Day, both falling on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. Practicing yoga indoors helps keep us cool and comfortable but taking our mat outdoors in our favorite, serene natural setting allows us to celebrate the eternal cycle of the seasons.

What rituals can we add to our routine to help us celebrate the transition between spring and summer? Let us embrace the connection of transitional changes between seasons paired with Yoga to elevate our practice and feel more connected with the world around us.

Here’s how:

• Cultivate Mindfulness and Presence:

  • Focus on Breath: Yoga emphasizes breath awareness, which anchors us to the present moment, counteracting the tendency to dwell on the past or worry about the future. The Chandogya Upanishad expresses, “He who has control over his breath also has control over his mind.” Pranayama (breath practice) is designed to reestablish the flow of breath in harmony with the rhythms of the universe. Take a moment outdoors to see the beauty that surrounds you and to breathe with the ocean or a breeze through the trees. Observe your sense of heightened connection and awareness of the present moment through the practice of mindfulness!

  • Pay Attention to Sensations by practicing AS IS (Awareness of Sensations through Internal Scanning): While you move through yoga postures or take a meditative walk, pay close attention to how bodily sensations enhance your body awareness and foster a deeper connection with the present moment.

• Reduce Stress and Anxiety:

  • Physical Release: Yoga poses, particularly gentle stretches and forward bends, help release physical tension, easing stress and anxiety.

  • Calm the Nervous System: Yoga practices like slow flow offered in our Yoga Therapeutics classes and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

• Enhance Emotional Regulation:

  • Observe your Emotions: Yoga encourages non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings, helping us develop greater emotional resilience.

  • Promote Self-Acceptance: Cultivating a mindful approach to yoga helps us accept ourselves and our experiences, leading to greater emotional stability.

• Find Grounding and Stability:

  • Practice Grounding Poses: In the words of John Muir, “When a man plants a tree, he plants himself.” Yoga postures like mountain pose (Tadasana), tree pose (Vrksasana), and the warrior poses connect us to the earth, fostering a sense of stability and grounding. Take off your shoes and connect your feet to the earth! Plant in your garden! Take a meditative walk, observing each step as you take it.

  • Strengthen the Core: Yoga strengthens core muscles, which support the spine and contribute to a feeling of stability and balance. Work with the pelvic floor and the breath practice of Agni Sara.

• Align with the Season:

  • Adapt Your Practice: In June's warmer weather, opt for gentler practices like Inner Connections Yoga’s Yoga Therapeutics (I & II), and CHAIR Yoga, or modify any Vinyasa practice to reduce intensity.

  • Embrace Outdoor Practice: Consider practicing yoga outdoors to connect with nature and absorb the positive energy of the ocean and trees. Join our one-hour beach classes on Tuesdays at 8 am and Thursdays at 6 pm, NORTH end Pawleys Island at 2nd and Atlantic beach access (North Causeway. Left on Myrtle. Right on 2nd St., cross Atlantic and park in lot!)

By incorporating these aspects of yoga into your routine, you can cultivate a sense of balance, presence, and well-being, allowing you to fully embrace the joy and vitality of June.