Welcome Autumn
Yoga for the Autumn
Autumn is the time of year where the Vata energy is at its peak. Vata energy is the energy of movement; it’s irregular, quick, cold and dry. This is why many of us can feel ungrounded, overwhelmed and out of balance during these autumn months.
Slow it down – In order to sustain you during the autumn months your practice needs to be slow, mindful and deeply grounding.
Find some balance – On the mat include standing balancing poses. Balance and stillness of mind go together so if the mind is too active these poses will help you to feel steadier and balanced. Off the mat look at all the areas in your life which could be said to be out of balance and make any necessary changes.
Breathe more deeply – Autumn is the time of year where the air around is at its most crisp and clear, so breathe it in! This is a great time of the year to start a pranayama practice, or to just take the time to notice the quality of your own breath in day to day life. Learning how to breathe properly can reduce stress levels, increase immunity (perfect for the coming colder months!) and help you to welcome more prana (life force energy) into your life. Just 10 slow, deep, conscious breaths a day breathing from your belly, up into your front, side and back ribs all the way up into your collar bones will make such a difference.
Why Breathing is so important
Let it go – Take inspiration from the trees as they let go of their leaves without any kind of a fight! Hips openers to release emotions and pranayama. Stay in each pose for a good 8-10 deep breaths melting in and letting go of any tension and stress and anything which you hold on to. Use this quiet time to inspire, support and strengthen you to also let go of anything which is not working in your life. Take a deep breath and just let go.
Kapalabhati Pranayama The breath of fire or the skull shining breath is invigorating, energizing, and purifying.Kapalabhati is a very active, forced exhalation with a passive inhalation. To exhale, the belly quickly pumps into the spine forcing the air out of the nose (like trying to blow out a candle through you nose). Place a hand on your belly to feel the belly actively pumping. Play with the tempo (45-60 exhalations/30 seconds), but keep a steady rhythm. Start with 2-3 rounds of 30 exhalations, and gradually increase the exhalations if comfortable. This pranayama is used in Kundalini Yoga. Kapalabhati is said to serve as a cleansing technique for your whole body where you exhale all toxins and increases the oxygen level in your blood and your brain.
Watch a video about Kapalabhati Pranayama
Find stillness in silence –as the nights are getting darker and nature is drawing her energy inwards it is natural that we should do the same, this is especially helpful in staying grounded and balancing the irregular, fast moving vata. Take extra time in your savasana to surrender and ground. Make yourself warm and comfortable with any blankets and props you may need and an eye pillow and drift into bliss. This is also an amazing time to begin a meditation practice, drawing your energy inwards to your centre to find quiet stillness and peace.
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