Pulling It Together
I come to this inspiration this week because as the colder air comes this season I begin to bundle up, a warm blanket stretched around me tightly on the couch, a toque pulled down over my ears to keep the cold out on the way to the arena. As I pull these layers around me, I also notice the need to gather the pieces of myself that have been scattered. Bringing back some of the aspects of life I love and have lost – I went to see live music for the first time last week in a long time and I didn’t realize how much I missed it. This week is also, taking notice and giving to the parts of me that have been quietly waiting for attention. Let’s pull all the pieces together. Let’s take a breath, sit with what feels undone, and find the thread that weaves us all together.
In yoga, we often say “pull into the midline”, a cue to engage, to find strength from that invisible line of awareness that runs through the center of the body. Anatomically, it’s where our balance and alignment come from; energetically, it’s where the major chakras align and where we find the connection from our root to our crown.
When we draw toward that midline, we gather our energy. We reclaim what’s been scattered. We reconnect to what is essential. It’s not about closing off; it’s about integration and bringing body, breath, and soul back into unity. Off the mat, it’s much the same: to pull our energy inward, reconnect, and find coherence during life’s movement.
So as the temperature cools and the pace shifts, perhaps you ask yourself – what needs to be gathered back in? What will help you feel more whole, more aligned, more pulled together this week?
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
Asana Practice: this week we will focus on the midline of the body and our centre of gravity.
Seated Easy Pose > Ground w/breath awareness > Seated Upward Salute w/hands together at the top > Hands to heart center > Seated Cat/Cow > Seated Twist (L/R) > Staff > Head to Knee (L/R) > Great West Stretch > Table Top > Plank > (Downward Facing Dog > 1/2 Sun Salutation X 3 > Supported Eagle (R) > High Lunge > Mountain) Repeat left side > Child’s > Rest
Breathwork Suggestion: Beginning in a seat use your inhale and exhale to bring the energy up the midline of the body. Feel the body come into alignment with each breath cycle. Allow yourself this space for 5-10 minutes. When your done it would be beneficial to journal any thoughts that passed through, perhaps areas of yourself that are seeking attention that you need to address.
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Join us on the floor.
This month the AYC presents its first-ever 25HR Chair Yoga Course. The addition of a chair to our practice is very underrated. Perhaps you want to learn more about this for yourself, a loved one, or add it to your teaching methods. Either way, join us on October 25 & 26 and explore the chair yoga practice with us!
If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an in-depth way to dive in, explore the practice, explore yourself, and have the certification to teach others to do the same. Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training beginning January 10, 2026 and become a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie
PS: Have you heard the exciting news? Our Yoga Inspiration is now bigger and better. Join the Yoga Inspiration Collective! A collective that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. This community we will explore principles that help you move from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. You will be part of a community that helps you become more confident and clearer, grounded and consistent in practice, present on and off your mat, connected in community.