This is the time of year when we dust off our patios, transition our closets and open up the house to let the spring breezes inside.

April is the month for clearing out and opening up. The word April is derived from the Latin word aperier, which means to open. The word “open” has quite a lot of synonyms. It can mean unfastened, loose, uncluttered, vulnerable, receptive, honest, stretched out, spread out, open to debate, objective, available, free, clear or a beginning.

I am dedicating this week to opening up to some new ideas. A fresh perspective is always a good plan. So, let’s take on some new tricks for looking at our yoga practice this spring.

Try A New Trick for Your Dog: Decompress your shoulders & wrists. Experience Adho Mukha Svanasana with your hands on blocks slanted against the wall.

Get a Partner: Attempt a couple of poses in a more receptive way with the aid of a friend. Alternate drawing each other into Paschimottanasana (sitting feet to feet and holding hands). Or, take on Back-to-Back Virabhadrasana II (stand back to back and hold arms to guide each other into the full posture).

Diffuse Your Environment with either the calming oil of lavender, the invigorating scent of lemon or the illuminating aroma of frankincense. You can combine the essential oil with water and lightly spray the practice area or use an essential oil diffuser.

Explore the Concept of Mudras: Discover a new way of expression by incorporating hand gestures into your practice. The Chin Mudra is a good place to start. Touch each thumb and index finger together and rest the backs of your hands on your lap at the start or end of your practice. This gesture symbolizes your connection with the universe and is an effective way for opening to the earth’s energies.

Incorporate or Eliminate Music: If you usually use music to guide your practice, stop playing it this week. On the other hand, if you normally practice in silence, try on some gentle meditative sounds. My favorite is the music of Liquid Mind.

Maybe you will fall in love with one of these new methods and incorporate it into your practice. Perhaps the ideas will inspire you to continue on exploring for fresh alternatives. Either way, stay open for April and be receptive to the breezes that blow your way.

Welcome all possibilities…