A grounding practice for Autumn and Earth Element season
The vibrant summer season is coming to a close, and some schools started last week. It’s been a while since I last shared my blog here. Over the past four months, I unintentionally stepped away from writing – not out of avoidance, but because I genuinely needed space. I didn’t feel connected to my creative voice, and for a while, I let myself be okay with that.
Sometimes we need a hiatus – a pause to recharge, reflect, and be.
After a time of rest and reconnection, I feel ready to return as Autumn is starting soon! – a season of slowing down and turning inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer and early fall are linked to the Earth Element. It feels like the perfect moment to share some grounding practices that have helped me, especially during times of transition.
Grounding Yoga Practice and Self-Care Tips for Autumn
Sama Vritti Pranayama (Breathwork)
- Sit comfortably on edge of blanket or cushion such as cross-legged or kneeling position.
- If comfortable, close the eyes or gaze soft to the floor and bring your awareness to your breath.
- Begin inhale for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4. (try to keep a slow and even pace)
- After a few rounds, you can slowly increase to a 5-count or 6-count if it feels okay for you.
Sama Vritti (equal length of breath) is one of my favorite breathing practice and most taught in my class. It is a powerful practice yet very accessible to most of people.
Earth Elemental Yoga Practice
Set an intention for grounding such as “ I am connected to center or I am rooted.”
- One of the most grounding way to start is by lying on your back to help settle the nervous system by separating from other parts of our daily life. You can also feel the connection to the mother earth a little more!
- Incorporate slow, steady, grounding movement and balancing postures – like hip-openers, forward fold, strong standing posture and balancing pose.
- Practice balancing poses such as Tree, Warrior 3 or Standing Pigeon
- Ending with Yin postures are very nourishing practice for fall such as supported bridge, deer, and dragonfly poses.
Walking in Nature
This is my favorite practice for early fall time and one of the most nourishing way to connect with the Earth. Whether it’s a quiet forest trail, park, or neighbor, walking nature is basically a moving meditation. It helps you to slow down and quiet your mind.
Even my teenage daughter isn’t a fan of walking. I have to drag her along, even just for 10 minutes. And while she complains at the beginning, by the end she is usually calmer, relaxed and more open. The nature is the best medicine!
I hope you find these self-care tips and idea helpful. As we settle into the slower rhythm of fall, I invite you to continue nurturing your practice on and off the mat. Please find the updated schedule from next week.
New Class Added:
Level 1-2 Flow class – Monday at 9:30AM Three Birds Yoga
Weekly Schedule
Monday: Yin Yoga – 10:45AM (rescheduled from 11AM) Three Birds Yoga
Saturday: Bhakti Flow to Yin – 10AM Bhakti Yoga
Sunday: Hatha Yoga – 8AM Three Birds Yoga
Level1-2 – 9:15AM Three Birds Yoga
I hope to see you on the mat soon!
