From our newsletter: Back to Balance Summer is winding down. The days are growing shorter again as the equinox approaches. It is a time of harvest, reaping the fruits of our activities during the summer, and also of preparation for the winter ahead. For many of us, autumn can feel like a time of new beginnings, as school begins again and we return to a more routine lifestyle after the summers activity. In fact, many ancient cultures including the Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians celebrated the beginning of the new year at the autumn equinox. Some of us may feel newly energized and inspired to begin new projects and endeavors that require more focused attention than we were able to give during the outwardly busy summer months.... Others may feel heavy with the weight of impending winter. In any case, this is a time of transition and shifting energies. One of the reasons the change of seasons can feel magical is that it always seems to take us by surprise. No matter how many seasons weve lived, that first hint of autumn in the breeze can feel unexpected. How many of us have found ourselves asking, how is it possibly September already???. In our modern world full of to-do lists, time is a precious commodity and seems to slip by so quickly. In the spirit of harvest, and as a way to find balance in our lives, we might consider this practice: instead of fretting over all the things we didnt find time to do this summer or in our hectic lives, we could make a list of all the things we DID do, and have done. We can take the time to pause and reflect on how weve grown, make note of the fruits of our labors so far, and rest for at least a few breaths in the abundance of the present moment. Our lives are rich, and all of us have accomplished a great deal. Sometimes this is difficult to perceive, and the list of things we feel that weve yet to do can appear daunting - but a great way to approach the upcoming challenges of life is to take a step back and appreciate how far weve come. Our yoga practice can help us flow gracefully and find balance through the changing seasons as well. Practices like alternate nostril breathing can help us find balance between the solar and lunar aspects of our selves, as the outward momentum of summer shifts towards to more inward pulling of fall. Balance poses like tree and half moon can remind us to breath and let there be a bit of softness in our strength. Our practice will be enhanced by our ability to listen in deep, and respond to the natural ebb and flow of the seasons.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:20:31 +0000
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