Focus on Fall: Balancing Poses for Mindfulness
September Yoga Practice
It’s officially fall! The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and there’s an all around sense of calm that’s filling the air. With this new season comes new experiences, and sometimes new challenges. So I created a little balancing flow for you, to bring clarity, mindfulness, and grounding into your autumnal season…both on and off the mat.
The Prana:
Counted Breath
Come to your mat in Mountain Pose. Close your eyes, find your center, and breathe in for a slow count of four. Pause for a moment at the top of your breath, feeling the space you created. Then exhale for that same four count. Pause and observe the your abdomen contracting as it hollows. Repeat for as long as you need.
Come to your mat in Mountain Pose. Close your eyes, find your center, and breathe in for a slow count of four. Pause for a moment at the top of your breath, feeling the space you created. Then exhale for that same four count. Pause and observe the your abdomen contracting as it hollows. Repeat for as long as you need.
The Practice:
Warrior 3
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Modification: keep back toes grounded, and focus on making a straight line from head to toe
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Eagle
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Modification: hands at heart center, or eagle arms while in chair pose
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Tree Pose Variation
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Modification: Take a traditional tree pose, and play with lifting and lowering arms
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Toe Stand
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Modification: Keep one hand on ground, or place a block under the standing knee for added balance
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Flying Pigeon
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Modification: place a block under each shoulder, and focus on shifting weight forward while keeping the back foot on the ground
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The Parting Words:
Play around with these poses whenever you need to clear your head and regroup. No matter where you are in your life and in your practice, challenges and changes are inevitable. Keep your breath steady, find your roots, and lean into those experiences with the confidence that resides within you. Namaste. |
Emmy Rodriguez
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