YOGA - WEST OF THE NARROWS
FROM FLIP-FLOPS TO FALL BOOTS; TRANSITIONING WITH EASE.
As summer vacation winds down to an end and the smell of school supplies takes over the stores, I have to admit, it feels reassuring. Summer has its own playlist of fun attributes such as long days, beautiful weather, and plentiful outdoor options for fun adventures. But as the weeks have grown hotter, I've noticed the slight changes and their subtle, yet altering affect on my daily life.
Longer days lend to later nights, which inevitebly disrupt my early a.m. Yoga routine. Hot days equal not wanting to cook and sweat my way through meal plans for the family, which means a liberal amount of snacking and quick options. Kids home from school, my energy reserves are beginning to run dry (as well as the bank reserves!) with all the added activities. The daily routine and chores are scattered, and personal space to create/reflect/learn is scarce.
Each year we await it, that gorgeous Pacific NW summer, and although I have no intention of rushing it away, a reminder of the stability of routine, evenings at home and a general settling in from all the fun has a nice vibe to it.
How has summer treated you? Maybe you could relish in the summer vibe all yearlong without a hitch, but for some of us, a bit of grounding is in order!
As you transition out of August and into September, make use of the 3 tips below to create balance and a feeling of security.
1) GO WITH THE FLOW. Remember that all things are always changing. It's part of the beautiful impermanence that is life.
"IT IS NOT IMPERMANENCE THAT MAKES US SUFFER. WHAT MAKES US SUFFER IS WANTING THINGS TO BE PERMANENT WHEN THEY ARE NOT." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Don't resist the changes.
2) GET YOUR SLEEP STRAIGHT. Not only is a good night's rest important, but trying to keep the same bedtime is advantageous for your circadium rythym cycle, helping to regulate the functions of your body and allowing you to feel more well-rested.
3) GET GROUNDED. Practice "grounding" asanas and meditations to help balance your Root Chakra (Muladhara) if you feel a bit chaotic. Now is not the time to deplete and exhaust yourself in your Yoga practice. Strong rooting asanas, held for a moderate amount of time, and moving smoothly from one pose to the next.
"When we are grounded, we are experiencing our mind, breath, and our body in the same place at the same time – we are embodied." - Jillian Pransky, Yogadork, Fall(ing) into Balance
Think Moon Salutations or move steady and strong through Warrior I & II, Goddess Pose, Tree Pose (or heck, even good 'ol Mountain Pose!), Wide-Legged Forward Bend variations, mixed with Malasana (Squat), a Bridge Pose or two, and a lovely Child's Pose to tie the bow on.
Blend the 1st chakra root sound, "Lam" (pronounced like Tom), as a mantra with your meditation to amplify your results.
Now get out there and enjoy the rest of summer! It may not be time to swap out that frosty beverage for an evening tea just yet, but when it is....put a smile on and fill your cup.
Namaste, Yogis!
