As we enter the cooler seasons, it's easy to feel like hibernating indoors and letting our motivation fizzle out. But fear not, in this blog we’ll give you some of our favourite poses to help! Instead of letting the fire from summer die down, let’s ignite our inner flame and keep it burning bright. How, you ask? Staying motivated through yoga by practicing asanas (poses) that keep you grounded and turning inward.
When life gets overwhelming, it's important to take a step back and tune in to our inner selves. This can be achieved through a yoga practice that focuses on grounding and centring.
Grounding poses are those that bring our energy down to the earth, helping us to feel stable, secure, and supported. Meanwhile, turning inward poses encourage us to look within and connect with our breath, body, and mind.
Let's start with a simple yet powerful pose: Tadasana, or Mountain Pose. This pose helps to cultivate a sense of stability and calm.
· Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and ground down through your feet
· Feel your spine lengthen, your shoulders soften, and your gaze forward
· Take deep, steady breaths and imagine roots growing down from the soles of your feet into the earth, anchoring you in place
· Notice the feeling of stability starting from your feet to your chest and the feeling of calm from your relaxed shoulders to the top of your head
Next up, we have Uttanasana, or Forward Fold. This pose helps to release stress and tension, while also grounding us down into the earth.
· From Tadasana, fold forward at the hips, allowing your head and arms to hang heavy
· Bend your knees as much as you need to in order to release tension in your lower back
· Breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your hamstrings and back body
Moving on, we come to Balasana, or Child's Pose (one of my personal favourites). This pose is incredibly calming and helps to release tension in the neck, shoulders, and spine
· Start on your hands and knees, then lower your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms forward and wide
· Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply into your back body
Another great pose for grounding is Virabhadrasana II, or Warrior II. This pose helps to build strength and stability, while also bringing our attention to the present moment.
· From Tadasana, step one foot back and turn it out 90 degrees
· Bend your front knee and extend your arms out to the sides, gazing over your front fingertips
· Sink down into your front foot and imagine rooting down through the outside edge your back foot
Last but not least, we have Savasana, or Corpse Pose. This pose is often done at the end of a yoga practice, and for good reason. This pose helps to release tension and stress, while also encouraging a sense of surrender and acceptance.
· Simply lie down on your back with your arms and legs relaxed. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing yourself to fully relax and let go
Incorporating these grounding and turning inward poses into your yoga practice can help you stay connected to your inner fire, even during the cooler seasons. By focusing on stability, calmness, and self-awareness, we can continue to pursue our goals and dreams, no matter the weather.
Remember to take deep breaths, listen to your body, and when your practicing yoga with intention, be kind to yourself.
Namaste 🙏
Author – Malinda Hayward