The Yoga tradition teaches us about transitions on the mat which help to support us so we may progress more gracefully through life. When you are in the flow of your asana practice, what defines an advanced practitioner is the strength and ease that carries you through the realignment from posture to posture.
The focus on the breathe, bhanda (energetic locks) and drishti (focal or gaze point) keep you centered in the present moment. These tools help to slow down the transition so you can feel grounded and stable as your body shifts and changes through space. This allows you to be fluid and graceful in your practice.
The sacred junctures of the year, act as markers to prepare us to shift both our practice and our lifestyle to adapt to each season. The idea is to re-align as the seasons change so that you can live in tune with the world around you. When you are in harmony and balance with nature, you will feel healthy and happy in body, mind and spirit.
So how can you practice navigating these life transitions, just as you shift from pose to pose ? What are the best ways to stay centered in the moment to prepare for the shift into this season of uncertainty?
We are approaching the Autumnal Equinox, the sacred shift from late summer into early fall. Now is the time where we traditionally reap the harvest of summer. But this year is like no other. Although nature will continue to share its bounty, there is great instability in our country stemming from COVID, social justice, the economy and the upcoming election. Many of us are in a state of anticipation as we worry about what the future holds.
Fall is VATA season, when the elements of air and space are dominant. This time of year is especially challenging for those with Vata dosha. The movement aspect of this dosa tends to stir up anxiety and fear, so it is more important than ever to learn to ground and center in the moment.
As we move into the fall season, the elections, school starting, being indoors more and potentially a second wave of COVID, (although I am strongly creating an intention for this not to happen) it can feel quite scary.
My recommendation to survive this season of uncertainty is to stay grounded in each moment. Which is much easier said than done. It’s so simple to stay centered when everything in life is going well. But this is often an illusion that is created by a certain arrangement of safe and predictable events.
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve had the experience where life “falls apart” and the pieces aren’t fitting together as well. This is certainly what is happening for most of us now during this time of instability and change.
Yoga is the practice of these skills even when it is challenging, so we may reap the benefits and remain balanced and centered during both the physical transitions and times of uncertainty.
Now more then ever it’s important that we:
- Find stability in unstable times.
- Learn to relax and let go into uncertainty.
- To connect with the Universe daily and to Trust
- Take refuge in the heart space, rather than the mind or external events.
- Learn to love ourselves so we can have unconditional support.
Here are a few suggestions to keep you grounded in the NOW and to help you navigate the transition into the un-chartered territory of FALL.
Yoga Practices:
Practice the So Hum Mantra = I am all that is
Repeat the mantra 108 times each day to connect to the Universal Consciousness.
Practice the Aham Prema Mantra = I am divine love
Repeat the mantra 108 times each day to remind yourself you are divine love and to learn to love yourself more deeply.
Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing
Do 6 rounds each morning to balance left/right hemisphere of the brain and lower cortisol the major stress hormone. From this relaxed place allow yourself to release into the unknown.
Practice Bhumi Mudra
Allow your fingertips to touch the earth. Breathe and let your energy grow roots into the earth as you take in the calming stability of the earth energy.
Practice the I AM Meditation
Take a 10 minute walk everything you see, say I am. I am the trees, I am the water, I am the sky, I am that…. Enjoy the feeling of being one with, not separate from all that is. So Hum
Practice the I Love You Meditation
Take a 10 minute walk, everything you see, say I love you to your self, then to everything you see. Listen and notice that everything you see will say I love you back ! Breathe into the heart space and recognize the unlimited love within and without.
Life Practices:
Be Present
Try not to project thoughts into the future or back into the past
Create a routine for stability
Move slowly
Trust
Breathe slow & deep
Say no
Create space between commitments
Sit and eat three full meals
Massage your feet
Smell the flowers
Play an instrument
Turn off your phone
Listen Closely
Look in someone’s eyes
Complete one task at a time
Take a walk-barefoot
Read a real book
Stargaze
Plant something
Join me for a Conversation and Meditation on the Transition and the Autumnal Equinox on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at 8pm.
And Follow me on my FB Lives Weds at 1pm where I will continue to share practices to help us navigate this time of uncertainty and move through this fall transition with ease and grace.
WIth gratitude, strength and love,
Lauren
