Attuning to Autumn: Sunlight and Shadows amid shifting winds.

9/30/24

"Be sensitively attuned and move forward at a sustainable pace." Asha Nayaswami

Hello! The last day of September is here. Autumn is progressing, and the transition is such a joy to witness. As leaves turn and nature starts its soft shedding, the sun shines its golden warmth, reminding us that prana is here, always available. The winds and cooling are making their way, and with October and a new moon soon to come, I'm invite us to continuing honing our practices to meet the season, sifting through the seeds that are most aligned for you.

With deep gratitude, I linger on the sun- the same sun that, whether sensed internally or externally, offers us a moment to pause. Each time we touch prana, life force, we meet our bliss body. In this awareness, we can create a memory to be used in times of shadow. A felt sense of light that shines on whatever is occurring in life, even when heavily covered by clouds or gray skies. For the days where the winds are strong, the waters or fires unrelenting. I'm brought to the regions experiencing natural disasters at present, or ongoing warfare and civil unrest. For those in struggle to meet the pressures of commitments, the next meal, or a seeming string of misfortunes, may we hold in our hearts for these unseen others as they are just like us? Can we hold in our hearts, with a capacity, a growing empathy and a sweetness in ourselves, a strength that is the heart of a warrior?

In the spirit of our warriors- I recommend the recent conversation between Brene Brown and Valarie Kaur on Sage Warrior. I will personally be diving more into this beautiful work.

Let's come to a practice. To hone the heart of a warrior through grounding, breath and mindfulness. To support the winds of this vata season, which is characterized by qualities that are cold and mobile, but also light and expansive. Nourish these qualities with steadiness, warmth, and fluidity. Focus from your power center—hara—just below the navel and above the pubic bone.

Take a few moments to return inward to yourself. Offer a few deeper breaths, allowing yourself to listen to you life within you, energetically, without the story. Trust your past practices and intuition to witness your body care for you with your kind attention. Relax your hands on your lap, or perhaps one hand to heart and one to belly. Take in at least 10 slowing, warming, soothing rounds of breath- and feel free to close your eyes.

As your eyes reopen, draw your attention back to yourself with simplicity. As Thich Nhat Hahn teaches, say to yourself with breath:

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
In. Out. In—Gentle. Out—Slow.
In—Calm. Out—Ease.”

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.

May you smile to support yourself, perhaps bring to mind a recent memory of joy. Even if your mood doesn't call for it. I know in my practice this morning, I felt like I was just 'going through the motions' when a smile was asked. This is a perfectly warranted experience. I got to hold space with my parts, acknowledge their truth of just not being into it. But this is why we practice, especially when we struggle. There is also science behind the smile that impacts us internally. We have agency to shift, freedom to influence our states. Like the breath, like a smile, impermanence is also the gift.

"Embracing our life's impermanence gives rise to a deep letting go, freedom and fearlessness. " Nikki Mirghafori.

Breathing in- I smile. Breathing out- I release.

Release past, future, preconceived desires or aversions- just for the moment.

Yin & Yang. Natures Balance.

Extend gratitude to yourself for your continued willingness to be in your practice. Trust that these moments serve to sustain you, allowing you to drink in the slowing, to channel your hara from your third chakra, the sun that illuminates within you. Yoga practice is an act of intentionality and surrender, trusting that connecting alongside both the struggles and the ease supports your greater life.

Continue to nourish your routines and practices that balance sun and shadow. As we continue into Libra season, windy season, spooky season, and fall traditions (yay!), appreciation the winds that bring inspiration and fresh spirit. Harness just enough discipline in support of your joy- joy that comes from attuning your efforts. Warm and smooth out your intensity, balancing elements of earth, water, and just enough fire to compliment the luminous, inspiring air of vata.

Invite strength, grace, and mindfulness to your practices, with the intention that they expand into the various areas of your life. Hone your hara. Resist the impulse to overbook yourself, and attune to the nourishing relationships and activities where you feel most yourself- unconditional, simple and sustainable.

Acknowledging what is true, while also remembering that we breathe and live in abundance. Smile and invite joy with your in-breath, release with your outbreath. As you continue to nourish, attune sensitively to your inner landscape, balancing sun and shadow, with agency and sustainably. In mind and heart toward yourself and all the unseen others, invite the wisdom of the season and your kind inner guru to guide your steps.

May all beings everywhere have ease of mind and happiness of heart.

Lōkāḥ samastāḥ sukhinō bhavantu.

Here with you in practice, and in love & light."

-Maya

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If you want to more on how yoga as a lifestyle can further support you one on one, consider yoga therapy.

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