In the serene realms of yoga practice, where breath meets movement and the mind finds solace, there exists an invitation to infuse an element of play. Yoga, often associated with discipline, focus, and alignment, can also be a canvas for exploration, spontaneity, and joy. Embracing play within your yoga practice not only cultivates a sense of lightness and freedom but also deepens your connection to the present moment and allows for greater self-discovery.

Let’s face it: Some yoga poses taste a little bit sweeter than others. And if yoga were a smorgasbord, restorative postures would most definitely be at the dessert table. These soothing and well-supported poses offer us the opportunity to linger quietly for a few moments and savor the simple sweetness of life.

Many people enter autumn mourning the summer – as they watch the leaves fall, amp up their workloads, zip up their coats, and await the holidays. A common prescription for the fall funk is often a pumpkin spice latte with a big slice of apple pie. Doctors orders. There are many plus sides of the fall season; though it can be difficult to see them when you’re in a funk. How do you tap into the positive feelings of fall when you’re feeling the season pull you down?

Autumn comes with shorter days and cooler temperatures. While there are many pros of autumn, the transition can also be a challenge. Fewer hours of daylight and changing weather can be hard on both physical and mental health for some people (especially for the Byron locals after a spectacular Summer season!!). With that in mind, here are some of my top tips for an awesome Autumn.

As the bright, hot days of Summer are lulled into the cooler, shorter days of Autumn, we’re able to witness perhaps one of the best examples of a true seasonal transition. Each season holds a particular energy, and whilst Summer is the peak of extroverted ‘yang’, Autumn sees us moving deeper into a quieter, more contemplative state of ‘yin’. 

Close your eyes briefly, take a deep belly breath and think about the feelings and qualities of the Autumn months. You may have thought of golden, orange and crunchy leaves forming a blanket over the grass or the perfect lightweight cardigan that gives just enough warmth for the cooling temperatures. On the other hand, your mind may have taken you straight to your local farmers market to explore the harvest of delicious produce specific to the March, April and May months. If so, you are the same kind of foodie as us!

Fall is the season of transformation. We can see this all around us in nature: the leaves are falling, the air is changing and we are harvesting an entirely new crop of fruits and vegetables. It is important that we change with the seasons — just as nature does — by adapting our daily habits, yoga practice and food choices. Ironically, it is only through change that was can stay grounded during this shifting season.

The word duhkham, most commonly translated as “suffering,” literally means “tightness or constriction in the chest or the heart area.” If you think about a time you were upset and what that felt like in your body, you’ll probably recognize the feeling. In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali uses duhkham to encompass all the disturbances in our equilibrium, from feelings of disquiet or unhappiness to all-out heartbreak. When you’re upset, angry, anxious, sad, unhappy, or devastated, that’s duhkham.

Most of the worthwhile things I’ve done in life have really scared me. I’m an introvert, so I don’t thrive speaking in front of large groups—teaching big classes used to scare me so much that I’d feel like I was going to pass out. But I’ve grown to absolutely love it. How? By learning to overcome fear-based thinking patterns. Outside of our comfort zone is where the creative magic really happens! Here are my secrets for overcoming fear and embracing new creative challenges.

Yoga is no one-trick pony. When you get into the rhythm of a regular practice, you’ll find that morning stiffness is a thing of the past and that your mind is a much friendlier neighborhood to spend time in. Perhaps more surprisingly, it can also provide you with rewarding and performance-enhancing challenges. One of the best ways to test your skills is to practice balance poses—arm balances, one-legged standing poses and advanced twists, but you can also set targets for your flexibility and ability to perform a pose well.

In our latest blog, authored by Baron Baptiste, explore the profound benefits of yoga through 3 expert tips to help you grow into the best version of yourself. Elevate your practice with the perfect blend of joy and mindfulness and join us in embracing the transformative power of play and unlocking a new chapter in your yoga and wellness journey.