Autumn is a beautiful time of year, one which I really love. However, for anyone with children at school, or who works in education, it can be such a busy time that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We’re going into week six on Monday, with another two weeks until half term, and for many people it’s a routine of early starts, scrambles from one activity to the next, and lots of work. Although we’re having a really mild, sunny weekend right now, the nights are definitely drawing in, the damp is creeping, and it can all get rather much.
While having a yang yoga practice is great (I love a strong flow), and getting out running, cycling, boxing or any other sport where we work the muscles, including the heart; it’s also good to balance that with a yin practice, or restorative.
I’ve posted before about yin and restorative- they’re a very different way of working to most people’s ideas about a physical asana practice. My own preference is to make the poses really snuggly and comforting, allowing gravity to work, and giving myself permission to let go of thoughts which circulate and persist in my mind. Even if it’s just for an hour, even twenty minutes, it can be a wonderful way of taking a proper, soul-soothing rest. Combined with a practice of yoga nidra as well, it becomes beautifully refreshing and relaxing.
My yin, restorative, and nidra class takes place by candlelight. I invite people to bring as many pillows, cushions, and blankets as they can carry, and come in for an hour or 90 minutes of just letting go. Why not give it a try? It’s an excellent way of banishing that Sunday-night feeling of dread or tension at the week ahead!
Floating Lotus Yoga 