September Pose of the Month

Hard to believe that we are already less than a week away from the first day of Fall. This year I find myself ready for fall a lot earlier than I normally am. As much as I do love autumn, I tend to want to hold on to the warmer weather and summer activities. I think it’s the idea that winter is getting closer that does it for me. Needless to say, autumn is coming whether we’re ready for it or not!  To prepare for fall, and celebrate summers’ end, you might consider taking some time to reflect in the coming weeks. CLICK HERE to check out some summer reflection questions you might consider. This process will help you to close the chapter on the past, express gratitude, and let go… release what is burdening you. In doing so, you might find it easier to welcome the beautiful new season of autumn properly with a fresh perspective and a positive outlook on the exciting possibilities and changes ahead. 

While the changes of the season can be exciting, they can also cause you to feel less motivated and energized. Another way to prepare yourself for a smooth transition into fall is to do your best to keep to your current routine, or start making a plan now for what a new routine might look like to keep you focused and motivated. Try to stay committed to your yoga practice, even if that means you have to attend a different class for awhile to fit your practice into your schedule. You may notice a shift in your energy and therefore may need to adapt accordingly by changing your routine. What’s key here is that you have a routine!

Research suggests that “yoga specifically can produce an invigorating effect on mental and physical energy that improves fitness and reduces fatigue.” So if you’ve “fallen off the wagon” with your yoga practice, set a goal for the new season to re-commit. Practicing yoga can help you find the physical energy and mental calmness needed to tackle the transition of the seasons.

Our September pose of the month is the perfect pose to help you feel balanced during your transition this month. It provides an energizing effect on the body that can help when you feel depleted and fatigued.

Jathara Parivartanasana

Stomach Revolving Pose

“Jathara”- abdomen or belly

“Parivartan”- revolved or twisted

“Asana”- posture

   For our pose of the month this month we are staying in harmony with the season and weather. While some of the mornings recently have felt more fall-ish, summer is still holding on and bringing us the heat. In ayurveda summer is the pitta time of year when the fire is hot both internally and externally. Thus it's important to focus on practices that have cooling qualities. Twisting yoga postures are recommended for pitta pacification as they open the side bodies and decompress the spine.⁠

Jathara Parivartanasana Sept Pose of the Month pic.jpeg

ADDITIONAL MIND-BODY BENEFITS

Jathara Parivartanasana (Jah-tha-rah-pah-ree-var-ta-na-sa-na)/Stomach Revolving Pose is a supine twist that feels just as relaxing as it looks. Some of its other benefits are:

  • Improves spinal mobility and can aid digestion.

  • Tones the spinal column and removes stiffness of the spine and shoulders.

  • Helps stimulate the large intestines and elimination.

  • Has a calming effect on the body and mind.

  • Increases flexibility in the spine and hips.

  • Has an energizing effect on the body.

Stomach Revolving Pose Alignment

  • Begin lying on back, supine.

  • Bring right knee toward chest and hold the knee with the left hand.

  • Roll to the left side, aligning pelvis and shoulders.

  • Support right knee on a block or blanket if it does not touch the floor.

  • Reach the right hand toward the ceiling and on an exhale roll the chest open, twisting the torso to the right.

  • Turn gaze over the right shoulder.

  • Repeat on second side.

Carrie Klausposeofthemonth, jatharaparivartanasana, stomachrevolvingpose