As the autumn winds creep in and the summer glow fades, it seems Mother Nature is once again reminding us to let go instead of holding on. To trust that after a period of rest, new growth will appear. This change in season is an invitation to come inside and pay attention.
You may have noticed your desire to adjust your outer life to the changing weather outdoors. Maybe you are wearing more layers, putting summer equipment away, and cleaning out the garden in preparation for winter. What are the changes you are making to your inner life? Are there self-care practices that help you feel more grounded and calm? When we align and attune to nature, we begin to live in the path of least resistance. As you tune in to your body and spirit, you may notice an inner calling for a necessity to shed in the autumn season.
Time to Let Go
You may have heard your yoga teacher say something like, “Let go of what no longer serves you” as you move through class. While this common saying speaks truth, have you ever really contemplated what areas of your life might benefit from this philosophical idea? It might mean something as simple as completing an out-breath in any given moment or as complicated as walking away from an outgrown relationship. When you embrace the cycle of letting go, rest, and rejuvenation as the year moves forward, autumn is the time for a deliberate pause.
“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.” – Rumi
In anticipation of a New Year, autumn is a time when you can take stock of your life, determine what is serving you well (like a yoga practice, dedicated meditation time, or evenings spent with friends), and what is not serving your highest good (drinking every night, going to bed too late, or succumbing to anxious thoughts).
With the support of Nature on your side, there are many ways you might shed your dead leaves at this time of year.
Ways to Let Go
With the support of Nature on your side, there are many ways you might shed your dead leaves at this time of year.
- Release grudges.
- Forgive someone.
- Be easier on yourself.
- Take a break from self-improvement-spend this season being in love with yourself exactly as you are.
- Let go of your thoughts and feelings of insecurity. Replace them with affirmations.
- Simplify your schedule.
- Limit your time on social media. Remove notifications and the need to check your phone ALL OF THE TIME.
- Clear up your clutter. Throw things away. Weed out what is weighing you down.
- Stick to a daily routine and schedule in more downtime than usual to prevent imbalance.
Time to Get Grounded
Your yoga practice is a powerful way to bring harmony into your physical and subtle body. It provides you an opportunity to look at your daily practice as a way of removing whatever is in the way of your flourishing, authentic life. It is a wonderful time to ask yourself, what brings you joy and nourishes your mind, body, and spirit?
When we look at what we want to incorporate into our lives to bring us into balance and harmony, then we can remove “waste” from our systems and prepare for an abundance of health and vitality.
The science of Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature. Autumn corresponds to the Vata Dosha, and is characterized by the qualities of coldness, dryness, and excessive movement (think – wind). An imbalance of vata can lead to the anxiety and nervousness you may feel this time of year. In the fall, we have a tendency to do what nature does and continue in a pattern of movement and forward motion without taking time to stop, pause, and turn inward.
In your yoga practice, include grounding, earthy, and calming poses to help you feel centered. Earth energy helps to balance excess wind/air energy. It’s better to move slowly in your practice, spending a little extra time in each pose. Flowing too quickly or in a hurried or forced way can aggravate Vata, which is prone to overexertion and fatigue. Don’t rush!
Ways to Get Grounded
You can bring harmony back to the body and mind by slowing down, giving room for reflection, and creating a state of ease with our relationship to change. Below, you will find a few suggestions to get you started. Keep in mind that just one or two intentional shifts can have a dramatic impact and that it is important not to over-extend yourself. This is a perfect opportunity to embrace going slow, being intentional, and remaining open to the possibility that for you, less may truly be more. Follow your inspiration, and to keep things as simple as possible.
- Focus on one thing at a time.
- Create routine around rituals – morning & evening.
- Make time for daily relaxation.
- Eat foods that are well cooked, and soothing.
- Take a healing restorative or yin class to feel more grounded and rested.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule and greet the day with gratitude.
- Meditate for 5-20 minutes.
- Follow your breath for 1-10 minutes.
- Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, alternate nostril breath.
- Feel your body being grounded with a body scan.
- Take a slow, warming bath.
- Listen to slow, relaxing music.
- Enjoy a warm cup of tea with lemon and a little honey to help with detoxification and stimulate elimination.
- Close your eyes, pause, and smile. You are enough.
Autumn is a wonderful season. May you be inspired to let go and get grounded with resilience and grace.