5 Yoga Poses For The Changing Seasons That Will Help You Embrace New Challenges Headed Your Way
Raise your hand if you have a least favorite season. Personally, I freaking despise winter and everything that unbearably cold, damp, dark, bitter season stands for. My intense hatred for winter is just one of many reasons why I personally need to practice yoga for changing seasons, so I can find positive ways to embrace change, even when all I want to do is cry about the cold and shiver at the first sign of a snowflake.
Whether you're a fellow winter-hater, like me, or you can't stand the thought of sweaty, humid beach days in the summer, practicing yoga as the seasons change will help you find your center and establish a peace of mind when it feels like time is slipping too quickly through your fingertips.
It's easy to become attached and comfortable with the conditions that you enjoy, but the world is constantly ebbing and flowing, and non-attachment is often key to finding balance and stability in life. Your body is strong enough to naturally adapt to any changes in the conditions surrounding you, but a few grounding, centering asanas will make the process easier and allow you to let go of any resistance or aversion you may have so you can stay rooted and content through it all.
Here are five yoga poses that will help you stay grounded through the inner and outer changes that each season brings. Flow through these asanas when you need a little help making a smooth and graceful transition in tandem with the seasons.
01Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Simply sitting comfortably might seem like the easiest thing in the world, but sometimes the least intricate poses are the most effective and powerful when it comes to staying grounded and centered.
In this pose, you may begin to literally feel your connection to the earth beneath you and all the energy vibrating around you. Try placing one hand on your heart, and keep the fingertips of your other hand tented on the ground. This will help stabilize you both physically and emotionally.
02Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Tadasana lives up to its name by making you feel as steady, strong, and unshakable as a vast mountain.
Since you're simply standing in this pose, there will be no complications or modifications to be made, reminding you of the beauty that comes with staying present and grateful, no matter what's happening around you.
Try taking this pose outside for a brief moment. Breathe deeply as you accept whichever season is in bloom around you.
03Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II is a stable, steadying asana that reminds you of your inner power and fierce energy.
Planting both feet firmly into the ground will remind you to stay still and rooted as you breathe through this strengthening and lengthening posture.
Keep your body strong, yet soft, finding the balance between power and gentleness, and using this bodily awareness to accept change with open arms.
04Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)
Goddess pose is both grounding and powerful — a perfect combination during times of change. As you stand in this pose, try to tap into the strength of the goddess that resides within you.
Utkata konasana will stretch and create room in your pelvis, so try visualizing this part of your body as an anchor, staying stable as change swirls in the air around you. Inhale, and root your feet into the earth. Exhale, and settle more deeply into the pose.
05Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree pose is an incredible asana to practice during the changing seasons, because while trees are constantly changing, growing, and transforming, they remain rooted and strong throughout it all.
If you'd like to add some movement to this pose, try extending your arms and swaying them like branches in the wind. For an extra challenge to your balance and center, try closing your eyes.
Whatever you do, embody the beauty, strength, and power of a vast, looming tree in this pose. Whether you imagine yourself shedding your metaphorical leaves, or growing beautiful spring blossoms, remember that a tree always stays grounded, constant, and stable... and so can you.
