Fall into Yoga: Embrace Autumn with Your Practice

Autumn is finally here!

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and it's the perfect time to embrace the cozy vibes of the season. I spent my autumn equinox with my yoga chums, at the autumn equinox workshop with Nadine Watton at Meadowlark Yoga. Autumn is the perfect time to take up yoga, so if you’ve been thinking of doing yoga, there’s no better time.

What better way to do that than by incorporating yoga into your daily routine? Not only does yoga help you stay fit and flexible, but it also allows you to find balance and harmony within yourself.

There’s a slower pace in Autumn, and I like to move with the seasons and wind down a little in the classes I teach. There’s lots of talk in Yin yoga about “Letting Go’ , a theme associated with the lungs and the small intestine. These organs do big work - the lungs give us our energy, through breathing, which powers movement, and that energy comes from the food digested in our intestines. In autumn, we harvest and prepare for winter; we store only what’s needed and let go of what is not.

So, let's explore how you can enhance your yoga practice this autumn and make the most of this beautiful season.

Connect with Nature:

Autumn offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature during your yoga practice. Take your mat outside and find a peaceful spot where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing colours and falling leaves. Or even leave the mat at home and take a walk. Remember, yoga is not just poses - it’s connection.

Breathe in the crisp air and allow the sounds of nature to gently guide you through your flow. This connection with the natural world can deepen your practice and bring a sense of calm to your mind and body.

Warm Up with Sun Salutations:

As the temperature drops, it's important to warm up your body before diving into your yoga routine. I like to practice Yin/Yang yoga in this season, my body naturally wants this. So listen to yourself. My students know that my classes have changed like this so they know to prepare their minds for a slower pace.

Begin your practice with a few rounds of Sun Salutations to get your blood flowing, and your muscles warmed up. These flowing sequences can provide a full-body warm-up and energise you for the day ahead. Sun salutations are useful to do at the start of your practice, but also any time throughout your day that you feel the need for heat!

Embrace the last of the sun's warmth as you move through each pose, feeling the gentle heat radiating within you.

Grounding Poses for Stability:

Autumn is a season of change, and sometimes we can feel a bit unsteady as we transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler days of fall.

Use grounding poses such as Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) and Mountain Pose (Tadasana) in your practice to bring stability and balance. These poses help you physically strengthen your legs and core while also cultivating a sense of inner strength and resilience.

Focus on Breathwork:

With the busyness of life and the transition into a new season, it's important to take a moment to pause and reconnect with your breath.

Incorporate Pranayama exercises into your practice, such as Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) or Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath), to calm the mind and bring clarity to your thoughts.

This focused breathwork will help you centre yourself and create a sense of inner peace.

Embrace Restorative Yoga:

As the days become shorter, there's a natural inclination to slow down and find more restful moments. Autumn is the perfect time to incorporate restorative yoga into your practice. Restorative yoga poses, such as Child's Pose (Balasana) and Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), promote deep relaxation and allow your body to recover from the busyness of daily life.

Wrap yourself up, light a candle, and embrace these poses to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It’s also an idea to make a huge pot of warming soup like this one I make on a weekly basis, and nourish your body from the inside out!

Autumn is perfect for yoga

Autumn is a wonderful season to explore new dimensions of your yoga practice. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, incorporating these tips into your routine can help you stay grounded, connected, and balanced during this beautiful time of year.

So, grab your mat and let the magic of autumn infuse your yoga practice with renewed energy and tranquility.

Namaste!