YOGA AND NATURE'S CYCLES : ADAPTING YOUR PRACTICE TO THE SEASONS AND THE MOON
The months of November and December, with their autumnal and lunar energies, invite us to slow down, refocus and adapt our yoga practice to natural cycles.
From Yin Yoga to cultivate letting go, to full moon meditations to release emotions, and new moon rituals to set intentions, this article explores simple and profound practices to harmonize body, mind, and nature during this time of transition.
Written by Valentine - December 2024
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About 10 minutes
WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DISCOVER
- Understanding the Influence of Natural Cycles on Body and Mind : How seasons and lunar phases affect our physical and emotional energies, and why adjusting your yoga practice can transform your well-being.
- Yin Yoga for Autumn: Cultivating Calm and Letting Go : Discover specific postures and practices to accompany autumn's energy and slow down your pace.
- Full Moon Rituals: Release and Gratify : Meditations and exercises to connect with lunar energies and release what no longer serves you.
- New Moon and Renewal: Setting Aligned Intentions : How to use this lunar phase to refocus your priorities and integrate restorative practices.
- Adapting Your Yoga to the Autumn Rhythm : Tips for harmonizing your daily practice with the needs of the season, from morning to evening.
- Balancing Your Emotions with Nature : Tools to soothe autumn melancholy and nourish your inner grounding through yoga.
- "Let's take a look"!
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, A TIME OF NATURAL AND INNER TRANSITION
In November and December , nature begins a profound slowdown . The trees shed their leaves, the days get shorter, and the fresh air invites us to retreat . This transitional month encourages us to turn inward and adjust not only our physical practices , but also our daily rhythms.
In a world where speed is valued, slowing down may seem like a luxury, but it is actually a vital need. Yoga , with its ability to reconnect body and mind , invites us to honor this slowing down and welcome this period as an opportunity for reflection and refocusing .
In everyday life , this might mean rethinking our mornings . Instead of rushing out the door as soon as we wake up, why not start the day with a gentle practice like mindful breathing or a simple movement, like the gradual unrolling of the spine while seated? These moments, even short ones, allow us to set an intention for the day.
Similarly, ending the evening with meditation or a relaxing posture , such as legs up the wall ( Viparita Karani ), can help us release accumulated tension .
Incorporating these small rituals into your daily routine will allow you to feel a deep sense of calm despite the hustle and bustle of modern life.
AUTUMN AND YIN YOGA: CULTIVATING LETTING GO AND DEPTH
Autumn is a season when energy begins to retreat, in harmony with nature slowing down its cycle.
In yoga , Yin Yoga is an ideal practice to accompany this period. By inviting us to remain in postures for several minutes, it acts not only on the physical level, by stretching deep tissues such as fascia , but also on the mental level , by developing patience and acceptance . It is a practice that teaches us to "be" rather than "do" , a perfect antidote to the stress of daily life.
Imagine an evening in November or early December , where you light a candle , unroll your mat , and settle into Caterpillar Pose ( Paschimottanasana ). As your back gently lengthens and your breath slows, you begin to feel the tensions of the day melt away. This type of practice also allows you to work through deep emotions , as autumn is often a season when repressed memories and feelings resurface.
Why not create a weekly routine around Yin Yoga , incorporating poses like half-pigeon or butterfly? This could become a self-care ritual , a time to reconnect with yourself while honoring the autumnal energy .
In daily life , integrating the spirit of Yin Yoga also means accepting to slow down in other areas. This can involve conscious pauses in your day, where you simply take a few minutes to breathe or observe nature .
Also give yourself moments of disconnection by limiting screen use in the evening, to allow your mind to find true rest.
THE INTROSPECTIVE POWER OF FULL MOON MEDITATIONS
Lunar cycles subtly influence our energies , and the full moon is often a time when our emotions reach their peak. The November full moon , known as the Beaver Moon , symbolizes preparation and organization for winter .
In yoga , this is a good time to practice introspective meditations focused on letting go and gratitude . These practices can be especially powerful when accompanied by a lunar ritual that marks the importance of this phase.
Imagine yourself under the soft light of the moon, sitting on a mat or simply in a quiet place at home. Begin with a guided meditation , breathing deeply and visualizing a soothing light enveloping you. With each exhalation, imagine releasing unnecessary thoughts and tension.
After meditating , take a notebook and write down three things you are grateful for. This practice may seem simple, but it has a profound impact on your mindset . It helps you recognize the blessings in your life and release what no longer serves you.
In daily life , this connection with the moon can also translate into moments when you allow yourself to listen to your emotional needs . If you feel overwhelmed , give yourself a break or an activity that nourishes you, such as a walk in nature or a relaxing bath .
Lunar cycles remind us that everything in life is in flux, and learning to adapt to these variations can transform our relationship with stress and balance .
NEW MOONS: A TIME FOR RENEWAL AND INTENTION
Unlike the full moon , which is a time of culmination , the new moon marks a time of fertile emptiness and renewal .
It is a time when we can set intentions for the weeks to come, and where the energy invites calm and reflection .
In yoga , this lunar phase is ideal for integrating gentle and introspective practices, which promote refocusing .
A new moon ritual can begin with a restorative pose , such as Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Goddess Pose). This position opens the heart and pelvis , symbolizing acceptance and receptivity .
You can then follow up with a gentle pranayama , such as alternate nostril breathing ( Nadi Shodhana ), to balance the energies .
Finally, take a few moments to reflect on your aspirations : what do you want to nurture in your life? Write down your thoughts in a notebook dedicated to these lunar moments, to observe your progress over the months.
DECEMBER: NEW TRANSITION AND REFLECTIONS TO COME
While November invites us to slow down and refocus, December promises to be a pivotal stage, both marked by reflection and looking towards a new cycle .
This month, often marked by holidays and the celebration of the end of the year, offers us the opportunity to reflect on the path we have taken while sowing the seeds of intentions for the year ahead. It is also a time when yoga can play a crucial role in maintaining our inner balance in the face of external turmoil.
December raises questions: How can we embrace this transition with serenity? What practices can help us stay grounded while preparing for an energetic renewal in January?
This month is an invitation to explore rituals that cultivate both gratitude for the past year and openness to new perspectives. Through yoga , meditation , or practices linked to winter light , December can become a month of balance and awakening , thus continuing the connection between our practice and natural cycles .
Thanks for this news post!
HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY LIFE
Valentine's Bio
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VALENTINE
1994, Reunion Island, Mauritius, a Life carried by the Indian Ocean and Yoga
Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has traveled the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches around the world.Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the oceans her playground and source of inspiration.
The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.
It was through her explorations that yoga became more than a practice for her – it was a way of life.
Between early morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, flow and self-awareness.
Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South West and often remotely :)
This adventurer is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.
Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
