How do you respond to the seasonal changes?
This year we had a very long hot dry Summer. Even up to and beyond the Autumn equinox we had temperatures over 20° (if your not from Scotland, thats roasting for us)
For me being very Scottish it was a little intense and I am grateful for the turn into Autumn weather over the last few weeks.
Today I woke up to the sound of rain battering on glass and it was blissful. Opening the curtains to see trees blowing and branches swirling, leaves falling through a haze of torrential rain actually made me smile.
I know it’s not everyone’s favourite but for me the rain washes away what I don’t need. The wind clears the cobwebs of the mind. Combined It gives permission for rest and to go inwards a little.
In fact that’s what Autumn is for.
Autumn is a time for nature to step out of the heat and prepare for the cold and dark. Plants die back, trees lose their leaves, many creatures gather food and make dens safer and warmer so that when Winter comes they are ready to rest and almost stop completely.
Despite the natural cycles of the year showing us that this is the time to slow down and rest more, our human selves don’t tend to respect those natural cycles. Mostly we continue working, exercising and socialising at full throttle throughout the year.
I used to be like that thinking that I had to keep going no matter what 365 days a year but then wondered why my own mental and physical health struggled to keep up especially at this time of year. It got to the point where I used to dread Autumn not understanding why I would become more tired, anxious and stressed.
Only once I learned more about working with natures cycles did I realise that is not how the world is supposed to work.
As much as we have separated ourselves from nature we are still part of nature and should be following the example of trees, plants and creatures at this time.
Over the last few years I have made a point of changing my lifestyle to suit the seasons. Not in any radical way, just little things like more rest and reading, earlier bedtimes and changing my diet towards slow-cooked, nourishing foods like soups and stews.
I also changed my yoga practice. While I still enjoy Hatha and gentle flows, I bring in more Yin Yoga. Finding strength in the stillness of this practice. Going inwards and listening deeply to what my body needs at this time of year.
Yin Yoga is slow-paced style of yoga using the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. While not restorative it is deeply restful with mostly floor based poses that are held for longer periods of time than in other Yoga styles.
As part of this change of seasons I am looking forward to bringing you some ‘Winding down to Winter’ Yin Classes.
These will be an opportunity for you to slow down and take a breath just for you. ♡
So if your interested please follow on Facebook and/or Instagram for class updates ♡
allnewyogalife 