Autumn: Balance through change

Change equals learning and growth. Autumn is the season that moves us from Summer’s warmth to the darkness of Winter; it can be intense, and beautiful, and a bit overwhelming. And if you aren’t ready to put away your shorts and flip-flops and unpack the sweaters and warm socks, you are not alone. Many of us feel resentful that the cold months are approaching; you may experience resistance to the preparation for the holidays, and/or an overall sense of being off-balance. These are not uncommon responses to change and you can overcome them. Even if you love the cooler temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight, the seasonal transition can still be challenging to your system. So, the better you prepare, the more centered and grounded you will be.


How?
The yoga practice offers various tools that will help you maintain balance through this seasonal change. This post’s focus: Balance Poses.

Svarga dvijasana (Bird of Paradise)

Balance poses are great tools for working through transition because they are precarious and a bit wavering themselves. Balance poses not only help us develop strength and focus, they can also serve as transitional spaces as we move from standing to seated poses, from expansive opening postures to internally focused forward bends.  We need to adjust and shift while working to feel open and lengthened, while at the same time remembering to breathe, relax and “let go” of expectation. All great practices for dealing with and accepting change : )
Here are some suggestions; move the furniture and give them a try:

Vrksasana

1.       Vrksasana (tree pose), Grounding, stabilizing.
Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose – stand up straight and centered). Find a gazing point straight ahead for stability. Shift your weight to your left foot, finding your balance. Turn your right leg out, bend your right knee out to the side, and bring the sole of your right foot to the inseam of your left leg (this can be near the floor, or up higher on the leg, above or below the knee). Find a place where you feel steady, take a breath in, a gentle exhale, soften your jaw and face, and continue to breathe naturally. Bring your hands together in front of your heart or up overhead. Take 5 – 10 breaths, then gently lower your hands and foot and switch to the opposite side.

2.       Virabhadrasana III (warrior III), Strengthening, releasing
Begin in Tadasana. Find your gazing point on the floor in the distance in front of you, not straight down. Inhale to grow tall, exhale as you tilt forward and lift your left leg behind – do not bend at the waist. Keep hips level and soften shoulders so they do not “crunch” up around your ears and neck. The chest moves forward and you feel expansive; extend your whole body. Stay for 5 – 10 breaths then repeat on opposite side. Optional: begin with arms overhead and palms of hand together, continue as before.

Virabhadrasana III

The yoga practice offers plenty of options for exploring ways to balance ourselves in relation to the world and others around us. Try these two standing balance poses whenever you need some support through change; with consistent practice your perspective will become positive and you will enjoy a happier experience through the holiday and winter season. Namaste