The fall equinox is a powerful time for those who practice yoga but, in today’s modern world, we are disconnected from nature and the rhythmic changes of the seasons. Our collective disconnection from the natural rhythms probably leaves you feeling confused as to why the fall equinox has the potential to be a potent time for practice so in this post we’ll share many of the reasons why you might want to use this seasonal shift as motivation to re-ignite your practice.

The shift from summer to fall marks the movement from light to dark, or the energetic the shift from yang to yin. As we transition to this new season the days shorten and we experience more darkness with each setting sun as the nights become longer. As yoga practitioners, this increased time of darkness can be honored by making a shift in our physical practice from more energetic styles of asana to the gentler, more yin styles of practice.

In the sister science to yoga, Ayurveda, the fall is also symbolic of changes in the elements. We shift from the fire of summer to the cooler wind and air that predominates the fall season. This increase in the presence of wind is symbolic of the “winds of change” and how fall is a season of transition, shedding and transformation. As the leaves change color and fall to the earth, we are reminded that transformation and letting go are a natural, healthy part of life – not just in human life but for all of life on planet Earth. This shedding, both literal and metaphorical, makes space for something new to bloom and come to life.

In alignment with these elemental changes, Ayurvedic science would also suggest we make some conscious shifts in our diet to support our immunity and honor the seasonal changes as the air cools. Fall is a time to move away from the raw foods of summer, which are more easily digested during the fiery months of hot weather, and transition to more cooked foods such as lentil and vegetable stews. These warm foods help to balance us energetically because the cooler winds of fall can leave us feeling imbalanced or slightly unfocused. You might also incorporate ginger tea which helps to enhance digestion while boosting immunity.

The fall is also a season of reaping the harvest. We gather and celebrate all that we have grown and cultivated this year. If we lived on a farm or grow a garden, we might celebrate the actual harvest of food. But in most modern cases we celebrate the harvest of our goals, intentions and the many lessons we have learned so far this year. We are given the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, acknowledge the struggles we have overcome and give reverence to the many ways we have grown. In a year like 2020, which has been profoundly challenging for so many, we may even take time to celebrate the ways we met our growing edges and despite being deeply confronted, how we continued to show up on our mats, in our hearts and in the world.

Reaping the literal and metaphorical harvest of our lives prepares us for the winter ahead, a time that marks an even deeper turning inward, a time of hibernation. Most people wait until December 31st to consider their goals and intentions for the year ahead. If we wait until the last minute, we will likely be rushed and will have given the year ahead less preparation and consideration than it (and we) deserve.

Take the fall season as a time to prepare, to lay the groundwork before the next year dawns. Use the fall season as an opportunity to reflect, recommit and re-ignite the deepest intentions of your heart. This way when the new year approaches, you will already be healthy, focused and primed to step into your resolutions with energy, grace and strength.

This is why we at Inner Dimension TV offer an annual discount at this time of year. We want to support you in navigating this transition mindfully as you move through this season of transformation and prepare for the new year ahead.

Below are some recommended practices for you to fully connect with and appreciate this wonderful season:

https://www.innerdimensiontv.com/classes/fall-ayurveda/

https://www.innerdimensiontv.com/classes/falling-leaf-meditation-dana-byerlee/
https://www.innerdimensiontv.com/classes/yang-and-yin/

https://www.innerdimensiontv.com/classes/the-energy-center/