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.
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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:
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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.
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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