The Rise & Fall
The sunrises in Alberta are, by far, the best I have ever seen. I love to rise with the sun, for energetic reasons, but the morning views here take my breath away. Pink skies, hints of orange as the darkness slowly fades; I send photos to my family and friends of this scene regularly. The picture-perfect sunrise impacts me so positively that if I knew it was to be my last day on earth, I wouldn’t request pizza, ice cream, or a celebrity meet, but rather, one last view of the sunrise.
Just today I was awake, but resting in bed as the sun came up and it was the first part of inspiration for this week. “The Rise” of our body, our energy, our breath, in our practice. “The rise” can increase energy, bring good tension in; it can make us feel alive.
The second part of my inspiration today is “The Fall”. It is Remembrance Day here in Canada. We all find our own way to honor the fallen, the people who have given the sacrifice of their lives, so we can live ours with more peace, more gratitude. For these heroes the sun has set on their lives but not on their memory and contribution to our country. In our practice “the fall” allows us to release energy, let go, reduce tension and stretch without resistance. We can think of it as the sun setting smoothly at the end of the day, indicating release and restoration.
In life, we require the combination of both the rise and fall. The ability to rise, bring energy and tension, and to fall, to let it all go and soften. This week we will explore both sides throughout our practice. As I do, I will honor those who protect us now, giving us the ability to rise and those who have fallen to allow me to live within this beautiful country.
Journaling Ideas: This week I feel that journaling about gratitude will serve us well. Taking the time to recognize all that we have, all those we have, all the beauty that surrounds us. Perhaps consider journaling at sunrise or sunset.
Meditation Ideas: A walking meditation to take it all in really feels ideal. Again, perhaps a sunrise or sunset walk. As the air grows chilly here in Calgary, I love to bundle up and carry a warm tea or coffee.
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:
- Seated/Supported Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose (Upavistha Konasana): Use a bolster under the head, allow the back to round, soften through the spine. I would suggest 5+ minutes here.
- Restorative Side Lying: Set yourself up, in your bed if you like. Bring a pillow in between the legs, one to the back body and one under the head. Welcome a blanket over you. Stay for 15mins.
- Halfmoon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): Work on the rise of that back leg.
- Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana): This twist will bring energy, good tension, and a nice rise of the body and gaze.
- Crow Pose (Kakasana): a great way to rise, build confidence and find focus. If you are not able to lift both feet, place a block under the toes to still get that extra rise through the tailbone in the pose.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Join our upcoming 200HR Yoga Teacher Training in Calgary, AB! Within this training you will learn about Yang and Yin postures, how to plan a practice of tension, release, and restoration.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie