Refining the Practice, Honoring the Season
Throughout September, I’ve been giving myself a self tune-up — refining my yoga practice and the lessons I share with others. Lately, I noticed waking up a little later than usual, feeling heavier in the mornings, and lacking motivation to step onto the mat. Instead of pushing harder, I chose to adjust and refine. To me, tuning up is about listening closely and making small, compassionate changes that help the body, mind, and energy feel balanced again.
Here’s what I’ve been doing this month to recalibrate:
Less Streaming, More Reading
I cut down on online video streaming and carved out more time for reading books. Video platforms like YouTube can be fun, informative, and inspiring — but I found that too much screen time crowded my inner space. Invading space doesn’t have to be physical; it can also happen inside our minds. By swapping some videos for quiet reading, I’ve been reconnecting with my own emotions, ideas, and creativity. My mind now feels less cluttered and more focused.
Regular Exercise & Gentle Yoga
Keeping up with movement — even when I don’t feel like it — has been essential. On dull days, skipping exercise is tempting, but I always feel lighter and more energized afterward. Gentle yoga and regular workouts keep my body strong and my mood lifted.
Adding Warm, Nourishing Spices
This transitional season calls for comforting meals. My favorites lately are red lentil curry and green lentil soup, rich with spices like cumin, ginger, cardamom, and clove. According to Ayurveda, fall (the Vata season) is light, dry, and rough — so grounding foods that are naturally high in protein and healthy fats can help bring balance. Warm, spiced dishes feel especially supportive right now.
Nature Bathing
Every morning, when I take my dog into the backyard, I pause for a moment of nature bathing. I look up at the sky, listen to the hum of insects or the crisp rustle of leaves, and inhale the earthy scent of the season. This simple ritual makes me feel awake, refreshed, and quietly joyful before the day begins.
Meditation
This month, my meditations have centered on the chakras — the body’s energy centers. Some days I repeat affirmations for each chakra, other days I visualize their colors or the qualities they represent. This practice has been helping me feel aligned, grounded, and resilient, keeping my body and mind steady as the season shifts.
Balance Comes From Gentle Adjustments
When life feels heavy or motivation fades, I’ve learned that it’s not always about pushing harder. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to tune in, make small adjustments, and create space for clarity and renewal.
Guided Meditation
Looking to balance your energy centers? This guided meditation offers simple yet powerful affirmations to help restore alignment and inner peace.