It’s finally Fall! My favorite season😊 . As we wind down toward the end of this year (and yes what a year it has been) we can reflect on our lives, evaluate our plans, and set new goals too. Feel a sense of gratitude as we embrace this time of change and also bring this seasonal essence into our mindful yoga practices. What are somethings that remind you of fall and that you would love to do this season? Reflection helps to transform your experiences into genuine learning about your values, your goals, and your habits.
This season is a time for transition and transformation. A grounding yoga practice will help you release what is no longer serving you and help you handle anything that comes your way this Autumn.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this time of the year correlates to the lungs and large intestines, which runs through the chest and arms, associating with grief and sadness. These emotions can also represent our ability of the delicate balance between taking in and letting go. The functions of these organs are aligned both physically and energetically as the lungs regulate your breathing and the large Intestine regulates elimination. Disharmony of these two organs can result in upper respiratory symptoms and constipation and the discord of energy shows as shallow breath and slow-moving bowels. If sadness or grief aren’t processed, energy is constrained.
Now is the time that we can use this withdraw of energy and review what needs to be released. Bring homeostasis back to the body by slowing down, reflecting, and becoming at ease with your relationship to change.
Yin Yoga is a great and therapeutic approach to your yoga practice this fall. A Yin and Myofascial release yoga sequence will create introspection while stimulating the lung and large intestine. Bringing about a state ease and peace. Try holding each pose for 3-5 minutes depending on the limits of your own comfort.
Start your yin practice by grounding yourself with a gentle supine chest opening pose. Use a yoga block, bolster, or a rolled up blanket to place just below your shoulders and armpits. Bring your arms to cactus position and lay in this position for 3 minutes. Relax and find the feeling of ease. Then, slowly make your way onto your hands and knees. Lower hips down toward your heels into child’s pose. Wide legged child’s pose will help your heart and lungs relax downward toward your mat. Go for a sphinx pose after your child’s pose. Let your stomach and legs rest on your yoga mat and support your body from the chest up with your forearms. Relax your jaw, relax your neck, and relax into this position.
Have a seat onto your mat with wide legs for a straddle pose. You can use a pillow or boaster to sit on for comfort. Try to lower your forearms downward slowly or just stay seated with your spine vertical. Meditate and bring your attention to your breath as you sit relaxed. After a few minutes, slowly bring your legs together and go for a seated forward fold. Try a reclined bond angle pose. Lay on your back and let the soles of your feet touch one another. Get comfortable here with a pillow under your head and/or under both knees for support. When you’re ready for your final relaxation, find savasana. Lying on your back, using all the pillows and blankets you’d like. Now is the time to surrender and let go. Let your palms face upward, feel your toes and let them fall, pointing to each end of the room. Close your eyes. Cover them with a small hand towel. After several minutes of relaxation, take your time to come back.
Try this healing fall time sequence anytime you feel you need a recharge or to pay special attention to your mood. These restorative poses are great for finding balance and caring for your inner life as well as the outer. As we head into this miraculous season of holidays and cheer I wish you all peace and love. Namaste.
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