Autumn brings crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters and all things pumpkin.

It is also a time for heightened awareness of transitions as we move from the carefree days of summer to the more focused feeling of the fall.

The change in temperature, amount of sunlight and even the increased structure of our days leaves us feeling the effects of a quickened pace. Digestion can be sluggish, our minds racing with to-do lists, and our immune systems suffering from rampant viruses and colds.

It can seem impossible to make time for a yoga practice on days that start before sunrise and end at midnight, but these are the days when it matters the most.

The more our energy goes up and out, the more we need to access our roots and get grounded. Imagine what would happen to a tree in the fall winds if it wasn’t able to dig deep with its roots: it would get blown over.

Trees have learned what they need to do to find stability and we’d do well to take a cue from them and take a moment to get grounded before the next whirlwind of life blows us over.

Slow down. Feel your feet on the earth. Release your exhalations all the way.

Step onto your mat for 20 minutes and watch:

Author: Meghan Neeley

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Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: courtesy of the author