Q: Flowers are blooming everywhere in April. Can yoga incorporate flowers or their symbolism?
A. Patel (Leicester)

E. J. Harris – Edinburgh

A: Absolutely. Flowers symbolise beauty, growth, and impermanence, all of which resonate deeply with yoga. To embody this, practice heart-opening poses like Lotus Pose (Padmasana), which is named after the lotus flower that grows through mud to bloom in purity. While in this pose, use a positive affirmation such as – “I open my heart to beauty and growth.” You can also use flower essences like rose or lavender during your practice, adding drops to your mat or diffusing them in the air to enhance relaxation. Bring actual flowers to your practice space as a reminder of nature’s cycles of growth and renewal.