Autumn is upon us, and daylight saving has ended. It’s been a very busy summer, and some of us might be left feeling like it was all a bit of a blur.

A change of season can be a good time to reassess the commitments we’ve made to see if we have left enough time to nurture our mind, body and spirit. Have we been able to realise the benefits of all the energy we have spent, either for ourselves or for those we have tried to serve? This is a good time to feel into the residue of the past season to assess if we need to make any changes to the rhythm of our days.

One way to assess your schedule is to see if there is a sense of balance there. How much of each day is allotted to doing, and how much time is set aside for simply being? Even our yoga and meditation practices can sometimes feel like more ‘doing’. It can be so refreshing to spontaneously replace a formal practice with a walk by the ocean, or in the forest, to reconnect with nature’s rhythms. When we do this, it can help us to let go of striving in our formal practice. We can be reminded by the tides, and by nature’s phases of life, death and renewal, that there is a rhythm to our own evolution too. If periods of growth and intensity are followed by periods of rest and reflection, we evolve in a way that is sustainable. By allowing ourselves to rest deeply, we regenerate the energy that will carry us forward.

Of course we have to commit to the discipline of a regular practice if we are to continue to evolve and grow, but letting go of a time-frame for achieving this growth, and tapping into the body’s cues rather than the mind’s agenda, will help us to see what is needed – more action, more rest, or a new perspective? Having tuned into your needs, you can then take a positive step towards re-inspiring your practice.

Finding a new perspective may involve attending a class with a teacher you haven’t worked with before, or signing up for a workshop with a visiting teacher. Shifting your schedule around to attend some different classes can refresh the rhythm of your week. Just a slightly different perspective, and a new set of instructions can help the practice come alive!

A private yoga session can be wonderful for fine-tuning your postures, or creating the confidence you need to develop your home practice. In times of stress, getting to the studio can be difficult, but by practicing at home, you can maintain your wellbeing and develop a sense of independence. If you’ve discovered that more rest is what you need, you can use your private session to learn about restorative yoga postures that can help you unwind at the end of the day. Just a few restorative poses each day can reduce the effects of stress and help you sleep more soundly.

Trust your inner guide. Take time to listen, and when you discover what it is that will give you the energy to spring into Autumn, go for it! Create the conditions you need to make your practice joyful, so that you look forward to it. Whether your practice finds you on your mat or at the beach, make it count towards a better day.

Om namah shivaya.

~ Article by Lynda Miers-Henneveld.