Fall Is Known as the Season of Transition…
So Should You Ground Down or Embrace the Winds of Change?
The metaphors around a fall yoga practice call to mind all the most beautiful days here in Winston-Salem: as I write this, the sun shines brightly through jewel-colored leaves, hues of amber and ruby and gold, and the air is warm where the sun shines, but the stillness of September has lifted, giving way to an energizing and uplifting breeze. Our yoga asanas in fall embrace the dynamic movement that is all around us in this season: as the leaves spiral around us, we are encouraged to twist, side bend, and embrace variations and vigorous movements within poses that give us a sense of vitality. We are also asked to experiment with pranayama that produces a sense of clearing out the nasal passages, just as the ritual of raking leaves kicks up dust all around us, so that it can be swept away.
There is certainly beauty in being swept up in the movement of nature. And we, too, should be swept up in movement: for teachers: embrace spontaneity in class, and consider varying sequences that are sometimes rote. Be adventurous enough to change up what you know you consistently offer. Teach a pose in a new way, as a learning experience for both you, and your class. We gather these experiences as part of the brilliant bounty that we will draw upon in the winter season.
For students, consider trying on those variations that seemed out of reach in your spicy summer Solar Flows. The weather has cooled off, and so have you; maybe enough to try something that has eluded you in the past? Deep twists, side bends, or maybe even an adventurous arm balance, like Parsva Bakasana, could enrich your next flow. Remember, in the Autumn and in every season: you are not stuck in your asana practice, and you are not stuck in any shape. If your body tells you to embrace the spirit of Autumn and move - then we hope you will feel the freedom to do just that!
There are so many ways to use movement to embrace change and help the body become adaptable for what lies ahead. An essential ingredient to this process in the Fall is to rest: rest is the way that we gather strength and resolve, so that we have the strength to move forward. In pursuit of peace, wellness, and happiness. Because that’s what yoga is really about, in every season.