Finding harmony with the seasons through Yoga

Over the past week I have begun to notice the distinct hues of Autumn that have started to find their way into the environment around us. A part of me loves the change into Autumn, but another part of me feels a slight stirring of wistfulness as we farewell the ‘outward’ energy and dynamism of Summer. With the passing of each season, it serves as a reminder that change is the only constant. There is a time for drawing our energy out into the world (Summer and Spring) but life always eventually brings us back into balance, and we are called to slow down and turn inward through the cooler and quieter seasons of Autumn and Winter.

During the first few weeks of March, things often feel like they are in a state of transition and flux. The weather switches between heating up and cooling down and the wind starts to blow… riding upon that are the coughs and colds that are so typical of this time of year. Feelings of agitation, flightiness and generally feeling uncentered and unfocused can arise in response to this transitory energy. Pair this with the fact that we are now in Mercury Retrograde (until April 15th) and you have so much potential for things to feel ‘out of whack.’ This is where we can harness the power of yoga. Cultivating a yoga practise through attending yoga classes can be a beautiful way to honour the rhythms of the seasons. During Autumn, we need to heed the calling to draw our energy more inward and start to slow things down and during this transitional and unsettled weather we are reminded of the importance of grounding our energy. Poses like Virabhadrasana (warrior pose), goddess pose, tree pose, child’s pose and downward facing dog can be a beautiful way to centre and ground your energy.

As the weather really begins to cool, be mindful to not completely sucumb to this energy of ‘grounding’ to the point of inertia and stagnation (especially as Winter sets in) and so the key is to keep the energy of fire still burning within through a vinyasa flow practise, whilst incorporating a little more restoration through yin yoga classes or meditation.

Combining these practises can be a beautiful way of harmonising the energy in your body and mind and allowing you to navigate the shifting energy of the seasons. Divine Warrior yoga studio is now open in Doreen, and extending its services to the community of Whittlesea, Mernda, South Morang and also Yarrambat. Don’t miss out on the ‘divine’ introductory offer; $25 for the 1st two classes (must be used within 14 days). This provides you with an opportunity to try either a yin yoga, meditation or vinyasa class. A timetable of yoga classes can be found on the timetable page. I look forward to seeing you at a yoga or meditation class soon.