Seasonal Yoga: Transition into Autumn

Would you enjoy a hearty stew on baking hot summers day? Wear a bikini in the snow?  Just as we change our wardrobe and the food we eat according to the season we can also change our yoga practice to help nourish us in different seasons. 
Autumn means back to school, work and reality to most of us, after the lovely long days of Summer. The dosha (meaning the quality or characteristics) is 'Vata'. Vata is cool, clear and dry. To find balance we can use the opposite qualities of Vata. For example instead of being a dried up crispy leaf that falls off the tree, try and be like tree. Sending energy down into the earth, find stability whilst gracefully letting go of things that we no longer need. Checkout our article on Aparigraha, the practice of letting go. After all we know we can let go, as after winter, spring and summer will surely arrive. 

Here are some things you can do in Yoga practice to balance and support you in Autumn. 

• Autumn can be a busy time so don't get burned out. Practice more restorative and calming poses.
• Focus on grounding. Pay attention to the support from the feet and legs in standing poses. Try some foot exercises. Check out our favourite foot exercises here.
• Find balance and focus in the perfect pose for Autumn, Tree Pose! 
• Practice Ahimsa, kindness to others and yourself. Read about Ahimsa here.
  
• Balance the energy channels through Nadi Shodana (alternate nostril breathing)
• Take long relaxation in sivasana at the end of your practice.

Lots of hot tea, cool breezes & love to you
Hana & Aya