As the golden light of autumn softens the edges of summer, we step into a season of reflection, release, and re-balancing. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we are invited to let go of what no longer serves us, making space for inner clarity and renewal. Autumn carries a quiet wisdom – it teaches us that letting go is not loss, but preparation for deeper rest and eventual growth.
Balance in Transition
Autumn begins with the equinox, a time when day and night are equal. This moment of balance offers us an invitation to pause and reflect on the balance in our own lives. On the yoga mat, we can cultivate this steadiness through grounding postures such as Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), and through the calming & balancing practice of alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana). These practices help align body and mind, restoring harmony during the seasonal shift.
Transformation Through Release
As the days grow shorter and cooler, we are reminded to journey inward, facing change with courage. Just as the trees surrender their leaves, we too can surrender habits, thoughts, or emotions that weigh us down. In yoga, slow, inward-focused practices such as Yin Yoga, longer meditations, or Yoga Nidra can guide us through this inner process of release and transformation.
Nourishing Your Inner Fire
Though the outer world cools, our practice can help us tend to the inner fire that sustains vitality and warmth. Energizing practices like Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), gentle backbends, or pranayama such as Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati or Skull Shining Breath) awaken energy and keep us uplifted. Chanting or studying sacred texts can also provide inspiration and keep the spirit bright during the darker months.
Yogic Practices to Resonate with Autumn
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Grounding Postures: Forward folds and hip openers (like Paschimottanasana or Pigeon Pose) help us stay rooted and ease the process of letting go.
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Breathwork: Nadi Shodhana balances left and right channels, while Kapalabhati clears stagnant energy and brightens the mind.
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Meditation on Release: Visualize leaves falling from a tree, carrying away old habits, fears, or thoughts that no longer serve you.
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Seasonal Rituals: Journal about what you are ready to release, light a candle to symbolize transformation, or take gratitude walks outdoors to connect with the shifting earth.
Autumn reminds us that balance, surrender, and renewal are natural rhythms of life. Through yoga and awareness, we can align ourselves with these cycles, carrying steadiness and clarity into both body and spirit.
We look forward to practicing with you online and in the studio throughout this autumn season ahead!
By Leah Marie Serna, E-RYT 200, yoga practitioner, meditator, and co-owner / yoga instructor at Studio Nine. She teaches the Monday Move to Meditate classes, the Tuesday and Thursday morning Foundations & noon Flow classes, Chair Yoga and Wednesday Yin & Kundalini classes. She also serves as the yoga studio manager.