Being Open
As we change the seasons there is a lot of talk about the changes that come, the letting go, the need to slow down, find rest, etc. With the energy of summer ending, I love how the Fall offers us relief and a swing in tempo.
This week I have been prompted to also realize that if we are not open to receiving and practicing these, the season will go by, and the benefits of slowing down and time for self reflection will be lost on us.
In thinking of what it really means to be open I broke it down in this way:
- To allow access – this should be considered in the way you connect with others, giving them access to your time, your energy. It should also be considered for yourself. Access to yourself, allowing that slow time for what you need, what you want.
- To not close – if the Fall is meant to allow us to slow down, how to we do that without closing off? One way is to find slower activities you can do with loved ones, such as cooking, beautiful autumn walks, perhaps look for a yin or restorative yoga class.
- To keep in view – this time of year might be great to gather in groups, potluck meals, group walks, evenings around a fire. This way you can save time and space for yourself, while still fostering the relationships that are important to you.
- To keep your views – be sure to take the time and look around you. With the change of the season the views, from sunrises, sunsets, the trees; the colors are incredible. If you live where there is Auroa Borealis you may catch natures natural dance of color!
Journaling Ideas: Write down up to 10 of your favorite things about the Fall season. Then, write down how you can explore 1-3 of these until the end of the month. This may be with others or by giving you the space to be open with yourself. Remember, it doesn’t need to be a big adventure.
Meditation Ideas: Are you open to an outdoor meditation. Surround yourself with a beautiful space, perhaps with water flowing in the background and use the sounds of the space to direct your focus. Just being open to what comes in and practice letting it go.
After a 10-15min warm-up below are suggested poses for your week to help facilitate opening in body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga Poses to Add to Your Practice This Week:
- Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana): choose with blocks, bolster, or a blanket. Setting yourself up in a comfortable pose that you can remain in for 5+ mins. Allowing the posture to make space in the front of the body, breathing steady, being up to whatever comes up while knowing we can let it go.
- Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): Once again 5+mins here. Slow the pose and allow yourself to be in view of the deep stretch sensation.
- Frog Pose (Mandukasana): Ensure you have good support under the knees and allow yourself 5+mins in this pose. If full Frog is too much, try Half Frog by working one side at a time.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being
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With gratitude,
-Stephanie