Columnist: Olivia Goldrick Barefoot Yoga – Embracing Change & Rising Energy

As March unfolds, can you feel the shift? The mornings are brighter, the air feels lighter, and nature reminds us that change is constant. After months of winter stillness, we, too, are waking up—feeling the natural rise in energy that comes with longer days. This is the perfect time to refresh your routine, embrace movement, and align with the season’s uplifting momentum.

Start Your Day with Movement

How do you wake up? Do you reach for your phone, scroll for a few minutes, and then rush into the day? Or do you take a moment to stretch, breathe, and set a tone of clarity and vitality?

The way we begin our day shapes everything that follows. A simple movement practice—even just a few mindful stretches—can awaken the body, clear mental fog, and set the foundation for a more energised and focused day.

One of the best ways to do this is with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). This flowing sequence of postures builds heat, encourages deep breathing, and stimulates circulation, helping you shake off sluggishness and welcome a fresh start. A few rounds each morning can:

☀️ Boost circulation – Enhancing oxygen flow to the brain and body
☀️ Increase flexibility – Gently opening the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings
☀️ Awaken the nervous system – Helping you feel more alert and focused
☀️ Create a moment of stillness before the day begins – A moving meditation to set an intention

Even a single mindful Sun Salutation can create a shift, helping you move from a reactive state to an intentional one.

Harnessing the Energy of the Season

Spring is a time of movement and transformation—not just in nature but within ourselves. We emerge from winter, shedding layers (both physically and mentally), and begin to crave more activity, lightness, and flow. Vinyasa Yoga and Dynamic Flow support this seasonal shift, building energy, strength, and a sense of renewal.

🌿 Vinyasa Yoga mirrors the season’s rhythm—fluid, breath-led transitions that clear away stagnation and invite renewal. It’s a style of yoga where movements are linked with breath in a continuous, flowing sequence. It can vary in intensity but typically follows a smooth, breath-led progression. This makes it ideal for grounding and revitalizing the body.
🔥 Dynamic Flow, while not a formal style like Vinyasa, energises the body, building heat, strength, and focus. It’s often faster-paced and strength-focused, incorporating creative sequencing and functional movement patterns. This makes it a great practice for embracing spring’s rising energy, giving you an invigorating way to connect with the season’s vitality.

Both styles are ideal if you’re feeling the urge to move more, breathe deeper, and realign with your body’s natural rhythms.