Reflect, Uproot, and Reap the Harvest of Your Yoga

Fall is upon us, and with it comes a natural period to embark on your own inward journey through the season. Autumn also gifts us primed time to reflect and fully express gratitude for the all blessings brought through the year. Read more about our upcoming Ojai Gratitude Retreat; a three day immersion on how to truly receive with grace.

Through uprooting and processing energy that has come to full fruition during the warmer months, we are not only nourished by what we harvest, but cleared of that which we no longer need.

Increasing nightfall brings an opportunity for us to embrace and observe the deeper, darker elements within ourselves. By taking internal stock of mind, body, and soul, we line ourselves up with the Earth’s natural contracting cycle.

Here are a few tips on how to align with the Autumn season through your yoga practice:

• Balance and cleanse with pranayama (breathing exercises) that clear the lungs of stored emotions such as stress, sadness, or grief. As we shift into a slower season, use breath meditation to consciously slow down and center yourself.

• Autumn is governed by the element of metal, which dominates our digestive and respiratory systems. Twisting yoga postures will aid in regulating the digestive organs, and help eliminate built-up waste from the body.

• Stronger blowing winds can cause increased restlessness, or feelings of being ungrounded. Notice the growing air within your own system. As it activates, it can cause dryness of skin and stiffness in joints. Nourish yourself by staying hydrated, and using moisturizing oils to keep your body and skin feeling supple. A stabilizing practice, such as restorative yoga with longer time in savasana can also help to counter these energies.

All our efforts we put forth through the vibrant sunny seasons can be savored before the dissipating daylight shifts us into darkness. Autumn is a time of transformation. Use your practice to feel grounded, abundant, clear, and balanced.

With so much love,

The Yoga Upstairs Family