Cleansing with Compassion

As we step into May, there’s a refreshing shift in the air—spring has arrived, and with it comes an invitation to cleanse, release, and renew. This month, I’m focusing on cleansing with compassion, a practice that honours the body, mind and overall energy. Whether it’s shedding old habits, clearing physical tension, or fostering a gentler mindset, this month’s practices are about nurturing our bodies with compassion, not force.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, but it’s also a season when we can explore gentle and mindful ways to reset. With the Kapha season upon us, we’re invited to use this energy for growth, but also for release, both physically and mentally. Through yoga, breathwork, and simple daily practices, we can start to clear away the heaviness of winter and embrace a lighter, more energized state of being.

Embracing Cleansing with Compassion

During this week’s Community Yoga class, I introduced the theme of cleansing, not just through yoga postures but through intentional self-care practices. Cleansing goes beyond what we eat or the amount of water we drink. It’s also about releasing the thoughts, emotions, and old stories that no longer serve us. As I mentioned during class: “We are not at war with our bodies, but rather we are here to compassionately and courageously love it.”

In our fast-paced world, we’re often caught in cycles of stress, comparison, and fear. But yoga is a reminder that we can meet ourselves with kindness, and from that space, healing can unfold. Cleansing isn’t about perfection or drastic changes; it’s about showing up, one breath at a time, and creating space for the body and mind to release what no longer aligns with who we are becoming.

Cleansing Through Breath and Movement

One of the most profound tools in yoga for supporting the body’s natural cleansing process is the breath. During our class, we practiced box breathing, which calms the nervous system and supports the vagus nerve—our body’s key player in relaxation and digestion. Here’s a brief recap of the technique we used:

• Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat for several rounds. This simple practice is incredibly effective in shifting from stress to a calm, grounded state.

We also explored gentle movements to support the flow of energy in the body, like Cat-Cow, Cobra, and child’s pose, all of which help to release tension, stimulate digestion, and create space within. These movements, paired with breath, encourage us to open up to the present moment and shed old patterns—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

The Power of Compassionate Cleansing

As I reflected on the word “cleansing,” I was reminded that we often approach this concept with a sense of urgency or even judgment. Many of us have heard about detoxes that promise quick results, but true cleansing is a compassionate practice. It’s not about forcing the body into something it’s not ready for but rather giving it permission to release and renew at its own pace.

This gentle approach is what I strive to embody in my teachings. As we shed layers of stress, tension, and old habits, we make space for healing to occur. By offering ourselves compassion and courage, we allow our bodies to do what they were designed to do—move, breathe, and heal.

Daily Practices to Support Cleansing

In our busy, modern lives, it can be challenging to find time for complex health routines. But I encourage you to embrace small, simple daily rituals that support your well-being. Here are a few that align with Ayurvedic principles and are perfect for spring cleansing:

• Wake up 5-10 minutes earlier: Use this time for breathwork, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Start your day grounded and centered.
• Tongue Scraping: A simple Ayurvedic practice that helps remove toxins from the body and freshen the breath.
• Hydrate with warm lemon-ginger water: This drink supports digestion and detoxification, especially in the spring months, when we’re looking to release excess Kapha energy.

Ultimately, the practice of cleansing with compassion is a process, not an event. It’s about small, consistent actions that honour and support the body’s natural rhythm. Whether you’re practicing on the mat or off, the real cleanse comes from intentionality—from choosing every day to nurture your body, mind, and soul.

As you move through this month, I invite you to continue releasing what no longer serves you, to step into your body with compassion and courage, and to allow the process of cleansing to unfold naturally. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we will support each other with the courage to shed the layers, both old and new, and make space for renewal.

If you want to explore and practice cleansing this month, join me for my next live-stream class, or explore the full library of recordings that are there to support your healing journey.

Big love,

Michelle