Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
~L.H. Bailey

I love spring blossoms.  I see them as nature's way of celebrating the survival of another winter...of coming out of darkness into light. Bring on the celebration! In the ever present balance of life, the enjoyment of these amazing blossoms, for many, also brings allergies. Boo! Here are some of my favourite poses to practice in my effort to lesson symptoms:

Surya Namaskar A- Sun Salutation A: for the alternating compression and opening of the chest (where mucus accumulates).

Virabhadrasana I - Warrior I Pose: to create heat and open the chest and throat. Try a modification by bringing your arms into a cowboy surrender to further encourage chest opening.

Marichyasana III - Marichi's or Sage's Pose: to squeeze out and eliminate toxins.

Halasana - Plow Pose: to strengthen the diaphragm and encourage removal of excess mucus.

Neti Pot - Okay, I know it's not a pose, but it is a daily practice and the positive effects of using a neti pot cannot be left out. 

Enjoy nature's celebration!

photo props: Apricot Cafe via flickr