Yoga Poses for Fall
As nature shows us, fall is the season of transformation. Weather changes, leaves alter state, and root vegetables are in peak season. It is important for us to adapt and change with the season to remain balanced during such a transformational time. Ayurveda, a sister science to yoga, informs us of ways we can adapt with fall. The food we eat, our yoga practice, and our daily habits can help us to remain grounded during this transformational time.
Vata Energy
In Ayurveda, there are believed to be three doshas or energies. Each season is dominated by one of these doshas. Fall is dominated by vata energy, therefore, during this season we want to participate in vata pacifying practices to help keep our doshas in balance.
Vata energy is composed of space and air. Its qualities are dry, cold, mobile, and light. Therefore, in fall we may often feel unbalanced and ungrounded. Pacifying this unstable energy through grounding practices such as eating root vegetables and particular yoga postures can help maintain balance of this energy.
Yoga Poses
Vata pacifying yoga poses include those that are grounding and focus on the lungs such as heart openers. Below are a few yoga poses for fall. There is a demonstration of these poses on my Pinterest and Instagram.
- Child’s Pose
- Cat Cow
- Cobra
- Forward Fold
- Tree Pose
- Downdog
- Sun Salutations (warmth)
- Lord of Fishes
- Staff Pose
- Seated Forward Fold
- Bridge
- Supine Twist
- Savasana (long)
During the season of fall, focusing on a longer savasana after a yoga practice is suggested. It is also suggested to move at a slower pace during a yoga practice. Of course, as always, honor your body and come back to the breath when needed.
May you be well – Dominique