Embracing Autumn...

Embracing Autumn: Adjusting Mind, Body, and Spirit to Seasonal Change

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, autumn invites us to slow down and align ourselves with nature’s rhythm.

Seasonal living means tuning into these subtle shifts and adjusting our lifestyles to support balance in body, mind, and spirit.

Autumn is a time of transition—of letting go, grounding, and preparing for the stillness of winter.

The cooler temperatures and shorter days can impact our energy levels and immunity.

This is the season to focus on warmth and nourishment.

Layer your clothing, keep your home cosy, and prioritize rest where possible.

Gentle but consistent movement, like walking outdoors or practicing Yoga, helps keep circulation strong and prevents stiffness as the body adapts to the chill.

Autumn often stirs emotions of change and reflection. Just as trees shed their leaves, we can release what no longer serves us.

Journaling, mindfulness practices, meditation or creative outlets can help process emotions and maintain mental clarity.

It’s also common to feel a dip in mood as daylight lessens—creating intentional moments of joy, connecting with loved ones, and seeking natural light can all be uplifting practices.

Autumn can be deeply symbolic: a reminder of cycles, impermanence, and the beauty of letting go.

Spiritually, it calls for grounding rituals. Yoga, daily meditation, gratitude practices, or spending quiet time in nature can foster a sense of peace and alignment with the season’s energy.

Ways to Stay Well in Autumn

• Maintain a regular sleep routine to sync with earlier sunsets.

• Hydrate and moisturise to counteract dry air.

• Take walks in nature to absorb the vibrant colors and fresh air.

• Strengthen immunity with herbal teas, vitamin-rich foods, and warm broths.

Yoga and Meditation for Autumn

Autumn aligns with grounding and balancing practices in Yoga.

SLOW FLOW and mindful YIN (STRETCH) practices are lovely for Autumn, as we slow down and energy turns inwards.

In contrast, balance with heat building practices such as FLOW and ENERGISE. Plus, twice a week we have WARM YOGA in the studio!

Meditation in Autumn can centre around gratitude, mindfulness, and visualization—imagining releasing old energies like falling leaves, making space for renewal, and new beginnings.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element Theory, Autumn is connected to the lungs and large intestine. Deep breathing practices and supporting the respiratory system are important, and allowing ourselves to emotionally and mentally release what no longer serves us will feel beneficial.

Foods for Autumn

Autumn calls for hearty, warming foods that nourish deeply. Root vegetables, squashes, pumpkins, apples, pears, and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger align beautifully with the season.

Soups, stews, and baked dishes provide comfort and grounding energy.

Herbal teas such as chai, ginger, or rooibos support digestion and immunity.

Below we have linked a few Autumn recipes for you to try out and enjoy!

Butternut squash soup.

Vegetarian lentil cottage pie.

Baked apples.

Living seasonally is an act of harmony with nature, and can help us to maintain and improve physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

In the Western world we are often very disconnected from nature, and in essence ourselves.

Yoga Borne offers special seasonal and lunar inspired workshops and experiences for you to enjoy and rekindle this connection.

We have some wonderful offerings coming up in October.

Just click the link to find out more info and book!

Movement is Medicine / Friday 3rd / 7:30pm

Women Gather: Hunters Moon Edition / Tuesday 7th / 8pm

Reiki Healing Experience / Sun 19th / 1pm

Reiki Healing Experience / Sun 19th / 2:30pm

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing: Autumn / Sun 19th / 6pm

Slowdown Sunday: Autumn / Sun 26th / 6pm

Yoga Nidra (in studio) / Sun 26th / 7:30pm

Plus, the start of November brings a special workshop which has been a staple for the past few years, Samhain ( Halloween). This will be a wonderful afternoon of ritual and rest, with an optional creative activity. Find out more by clicking here.

Wishing you an abundant and blessed Autumn ahead!

More about... Hygge!

Saturday 7th December sees us host our Autumn / Winter Day Retreat, inspired by the concept of Hygge.

So we thought we would explain a little bit more about this, and if it sounds like something you may love, then grab yourself one of the last 2 spaces now!

What is Hygge?

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian term that refers to a mood of cosiness and comfort.

It’s about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, often in the company of loved ones, which can help to promote feelings of well-being, contentment, and connection.

How is it Pronounced?

Hygge is pronounced as "hoo-gah."

Where Does It Originate From?

Hygge originates from Denmark and Norway.

While both countries embrace the concept, it has become most associated with Danish culture, especially as a way to cultivate happiness during long, dark winter months.

The concept has deep roots in the Scandinavian tradition of fostering warmth and relaxation.

What Does It Mean?

Hygge is not just an abstract idea but a lifestyle and mindset.

It encompasses anything that makes you feel cozy, safe, and nourished.

It can be as simple as enjoying a hot cup of tea while wrapped in a blanket, spending time with friends in a cozy space, or reading a good book by candlelight.

The goal is to find comfort and balance, nurturing both mind and body.

How Can We Celebrate and Honour Hygge?

To celebrate and honour Hygge, create intentional moments that bring warmth, comfort, and joy.

Here are some ideas:

Create a Cosy Environment: Use soft lighting, like candles or fairy lights, and decorate with warm blankets and plush cushions.

Host a Small Gathering: Invite close friends or family for a relaxed evening with comfort foods and drinks, such as hot cocoa or mulled wine.

Indulge in Comfort Foods: Make hearty meals or baked goods that offer a sense of nourishment to body and mind.

Disconnect to Connect: Set aside time to unplug from technology and be present with those around you or enjoy quiet time for reflection.

Savour Simple Pleasures: Embrace small, peaceful moments like sipping tea, journaling, reading or mindful meditation.

Rituals for Hygge.

Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light a few candles each evening and take a moment of gratitude for the day.

Gratitude Journal: Dedicate time to write down what you’re grateful for each day.

Seasonal Decor: Decorate your space with seasonal touches, like Autumn leaves, winter pine cones or dried flowers, to bring the beauty of nature inside.

Comfort Hour: Dedicate an hour each day to a comforting activity such as reading, listening to soft music, or meditating.

Mindful Tea or Coffee Time: Practice mindfulness while making and enjoying a warm beverage, focusing on the warmth, taste, and relaxation it provides.

Yoga for Hygge.

Hygge inspired Yoga is all about grounding and calming practices.

Below are some ideas that align with the essence of Hygge.

Restorative Yoga: Utilize props like bolsters, blankets, and eye pillows to fully relax in gentle poses like Child’s Pose (Balasana), Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), and Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani).

Candlelight Yoga: Practice in a softly lit room with candles to enhance a serene atmosphere.

Yin Yoga: Hold deep, passive poses to release tension and improve flexibility while embracing stillness.

Guided Meditation: Guided meditation focusing on warmth and gratitude, visualizing cosy scenes that invoke the feelings of Hygge.

By blending these rituals and practices, you can integrate the peaceful essence of Hygge into everyday life, creating moments that restore, comfort, and inspire tranquility.

Want to RE-TREAT yourself?

Join us in a beautiful rural location in Worcester for a day of Yoga, relaxation, healing, nature, good food, good company, and more!

For all the details and to book one of the final 2 spots, just click here.

We would love to welcome you!

AN INTRODUCTION TO YIN YOGA

We are delighted to have recently introduced a class dedicated to the style of Yin Yoga.

So we thought, why not write a blog post and give you the lowdown on this fabulous practice!

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of Yoga where poses are held for extended periods, typically 3-5 minutes or longer. It focuses on stretching and targeting the connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia, rather than just the muscles. This practice aims to enhance circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.

What is Yin and Yang?

Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts in Chinese philosophy, culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They describe how seemingly opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. Yin represents qualities such as darkness, passivity, femininity, and cold, while Yang symbolizes light, activity, masculinity, and heat. Together, they create a dynamic balance.

Where does Yin Yoga originate from?

Yin Yoga as a distinct practice was developed in the late 20th century, drawing from ancient Chinese Taoist principles and modern yoga practices. It was popularized by Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. Paul Grilley was inspired by Paulie Zink, a martial artist and Taoist yoga teacher.

What are the principles of Yin Yoga?

The core principles of Yin Yoga include:

1. Find Your Edge: Stretching to a point of mild to moderate sensation, not pain.

2. Hold the Pose: Staying in the posture for several minutes.

3. Be Still: Encouraging relaxation and stillness of the body and mind while holding the pose.

Yin Yoga and Taoism

Yin Yoga is deeply influenced by Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the fundamental nature of the universe). It aligns with the Taoist idea of balance and flow, focusing on the passive (Yin) aspects of yoga as a complement to the more active (Yang) styles of practice.

Yin Yoga and nature / the seasons

Yin Yoga connects with the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. Teachers and practitioners often align their practice with seasonal energies, for example, focusing on restorative poses during winter (a Yin season) and more energizing poses during summer (a Yang season).

Each season also represents a different element, organ, emotion and much more according to Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Who can practice Yin Yoga?

Everyone! Yin Yoga is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to increase flexibility, improve joint health, and reduce stress. However, if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions or injuries you should consult with a healthcare professional and speak to us of course.

Yin Yoga Sequence

Find below a Yin Yoga sequence that you might like to try!

If you are practicing without a teacher present, please take it slowly and mindfully, and listen to the boundaries of the body and mind carefully and intuitively.

Enjoy!

1. Sukhasana (2-5 minutes): Arrive and ground, set an intention (optional).

2. Caterpillar Pose (2-5 minutes): Sit with legs extended forward, fold over your legs, letting the spine round.

3. Butterfly Pose (2-5 minutes): Sit with soles of feet together, allowing knees to fall apart. Fold forward, relaxing the spine.

4. Dragon Pose (2-5 minutes per side): From hands and knees, step one foot forward into a low lunge. Allow the hips to sink.

4. Sphinx Pose (2-5 minutes): Lie on your stomach, prop yourself up on your forearms, and relax your lower back.

5. Child’s Pose (2-5 minutes): Sit the seat to the heels, knees wide, arms reach forward.

6. Sukhasana (2-5 minutes): Reconnect to body, intention and breath.

7. Constructive Rest (2-5 minutes): Feet to floor and wide, knees knock in, spine to earth.

8. Reclining Twist (2-5 minutes per side): Draw knees to the chest, then let them fall across your body. Keep upper back to the earth, take arms wide.

9. Savasana (5-10 minutes): Lie flat on your back with arms and legs extended, relax completely.

Yin Yoga is a meditative and slow-paced practice that targets deep connective tissues. Rooted in Taoist philosophy, it emphasizes balance and stillness, making it complementary to more dynamic yoga styles. It aligns with natural rhythms and can be adapted to suit different seasons.

Yin Yoga is often confused with Restorative Yoga, and despite there being a few cross-overs in the shapes, the 2 practices are very different.

We always recommend that you attend classes with teachers who are specially qualified in specific styles and have the knowledge and experience required to create and curate the class. This is for your health and safety, and to ensure that your class and experience is a true reflection of the style / lineage of Yoga, and as enjoyable as possible!

We have multiple qualified Yin Yoga teachers at the studio, and this class will be taught and covered by them.

You can book the class via your Glofox app, or head to the website booking page by clicking here.

Enjoy your practice!

We also offer regular Yin Yoga Workshops - our next one is coming up in September 2024.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

What is Summer Solstice?

The Summer Solstice is the moment during the year when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the North or South Pole. This event marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year.

When is Summer Solstice?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice typically occurs around June 20th to 22nd. In the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs around December 20th to 23rd.

How is Summer Solstice Celebrated?

The Summer Solstice is celebrated in various ways around the world, often with festivals, rituals, and gatherings. Common celebrations include:

• Bonfires and Fire Festivals: Fire is a significant symbol of the Sun's power and is used in many celebrations.

• Music and Dancing: Many cultures incorporate music, dance, and folk customs.

• Feasting: Sharing meals with family and community.

• Nature Activities: Spending time outdoors, often in nature, to connect with the Earth.

Where is Summer Solstice Celebrated?

The Summer Solstice is celebrated globally, with notable events in places like:

• Stonehenge, England: Thousands gather to witness the sunrise.

• Sweden: Celebrated as Midsummer with maypole dancing and feasts.

• Latvia and Lithuania: Known as Jāņi and Joninės, marked by singing, dancing, and bonfires.

• United States: Various festivals, including in places like New York City and Santa Barbara, California.

Rituals for Summer Solstice

Rituals for the Summer Solstice can include:

• Creating Altars: Using flowers, herbs, and symbols of the Sun.

• Meditation and Reflection: Focusing on personal growth and renewal.

• Sun Salutations: A series of yoga poses to honor the Sun.

• Nature Walks: To connect with the environment.

• Fire Rituals: Lighting candles or bonfires to celebrate the Sun's energy.

3 Yoga Asanas for Summer Solstice

1. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): A series of 12 poses that honor the Sun.

2. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): Enhances balance and energy flow.

3. Ustrasana (Camel Pose): Opens the heart and energizes the body.

Summary

The Summer Solstice is a time of celebration, reflection, and connection with nature. It holds cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for many people around the world, who honour it through various rituals, festivals, and practices.

Wishing you health, wealth and happiness for the next part of the year!

CELEBRATE SUMEMR WITH YOGA BORNE

FREE Yoga in the Park

10 weeks from Monday 24th June.

6-7pm

Meet on the Bowling Green.

Bring your own mat.

DONATION BASED Yoga in the Park

Every other week from 7th July.

11:15am-12pm

Suggested donation £5 per person.

Bring your own mat.

For more information click here.

SUMMER Yoga Retreat Day

Slow flow, embodied movement, Yin Yoga, delicious vegan lunch, crystal healing, optional wild swimming. All in a beautiful rural location less than 1 hour from Birmingham.

LAST 2 SPACES AVAILABLE!

For more information & booking click here.

WORLD MEDITATION DAY: A JOURNEY TO INNER PEACE

May 21st is World Meditation Day, and comes just after Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close.

It is also during a month when Yoga Borne have been offering the FREE experience of “Meditate Through May” via Yoga Borne YouTube.

Every day in May we have uploaded a new meditation to our YouTube channel.

All offerings on Yoga Borne YouTube are completely FREE, and a real passion project of mine, as part of spreading holistic Yoga far and wide, and being as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Just click the link below to head over to our YouTube channel, and start or continue your holistic Yoga and wellbeing journey.

MEDITATE THROUGH MAY - MORE INFO HERE!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique, such as mindfulness, focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity, to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

It has roots in ancient traditions but is widely practiced in modern contexts for its numerous mental and physical benefits.

History of Meditation

The practice of meditation dates back thousands of years and spans various cultures and religions. Some key historical milestones include:

Ancient India: The earliest references to meditation are found in the Hindu texts known as the Vedas. Techniques like Dhyana (concentration) were developed and refined in the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Buddhism: Buddhism extensively incorporates meditation practices, including Vipassana (insight) and Samatha (tranquillity).

Daoism: In ancient China, Daoist meditation practices emphasised harmony with nature and the Dao / Taoism.

Western Practices: Meditation reached the West and has been adapted into secular forms and integrated into psychology and wellness practices.

Different Types of Meditation

Meditation encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques.

Some of the most well-known include:

Mindfulness Meditation: Originating from Buddhist practices, it involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This is often practiced through techniques like mindful breathing.

Transcendental Meditation: A technique which involves silently repeating a mantra to settle the mind into a state of restful alertness.

Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta): Focuses on cultivating an attitude of love and compassion towards oneself and others.

Zen Meditation (Zazen): A practice from Zen Buddhism that involves seated meditation, focusing on the breath and observing thoughts without attachment.

Guided Meditation: Involves listening to a guide or instructor who leads the meditation, often incorporating visualization techniques.

Yoga Nidra: Also known as yogic sleep, it is a form of guided meditation that induces deep relaxation.

Who is Meditation For?

Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or belief system.

We hope that “Meditate Through May” can show you that meditation is a part of Yoga that is accessible and inclusive to everyone and every-body.

Mindfulness and meditation practices are not always taught as part of a Yoga class, as “Asana” (the movement part), tends to be a bigger focus in the West.

However at Yoga Borne we believe in a well rounded, holistic (whole) approach, and want to show how the rich tapestry of Yoga can be incorporated into our classes and your lives!

Meditation can be particularly beneficial for:

Individuals seeking stress relief: Meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation.

Those looking to improve focus and concentration: Regular practice can enhance cognitive functions.

People with mental health concerns: It can support emotional health and is often used in conjunction with other treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Individuals on a spiritual path: Many use meditation as a means to explore and deepen their spiritual life.

Anyone aiming for personal growth: Meditation fosters self-awareness and personal development.

What Are the Benefits of Meditation?

The benefits of meditation are well-documented and include:

Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD; improves emotional health by fostering a positive outlook and emotional resilience.

Physical Health: Lowers blood pressure, reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can alleviate chronic pain.

Cognitive Function: Enhances concentration, attention, and memory; promotes better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Emotional Regulation: Helps manage stress, increases self-awareness, and fosters compassion and empathy.

Overall Well-being: Contributes to a sense of inner peace and balance, helping to improve our overall quality of life!

On World Meditation Day, we want to take a moment to honour and celebrate this ancient practice that continues to offer profound benefits in our modern lives.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, take a moment today to explore the peace and clarity that meditation can bring.

Meditation Classes at Yoga Borne

Monday (bi-weekly) 8pm - Mindful Meditation (online live via Zoom)

Thursday (weekly) 8pm - Yoga Nidra (online live via Zoom)

Our public classes all offer some exploration into mindfulness and meditation. Especially Pregnancy Yoga, RELAX on a Wednesday and Friday evening, SLOW FLOW on Wednesday evening, and FLOW on Sunday morning.