Tuning into balance with the Fall Equinox

Before the Northern Hemisphere shifts into the darker, colder time of year, we first move through the brief threshold of equal night and day. Marking the first official day of autumn, the fall equinox can be a special time to meditate on the balance of leaving behind the high energy days of summer and moving toward the lengthy, introspective nights of fall and winter.

​Growing up in New England, fall has been a favorite season of mine since childhood. As a mythology nerd, learning about the Greek goddess Persephone and her autumnal descent into the underworld every year has always resonated with me. The clay mask on the left was made in honor of her two selves; her young springtime self as Kore "The Maiden", before she finds her way down into the dark, cold Earth as Persephone, a classic queen of the underworld.

"Persphone Kore" 2009 mixed media mask of clay, acrylic paint, garnet beads

At this time, reflecting back at all that has blossomed and come to fruition with gratitude while staying rooted in this energy of release and change, can be a simple act of balance. 

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Vrksasana - Tree Pose

Exploring Tree Pose:

To support yourself in this posture, you're welcome to stand near a wall, chair or some other sturdy object while balancing on one foot. Once you're steady in your tree pose, be sure to find a point across your line of sight to focus on.

Begin standing with both feet about hip distance apart, experiment with finding the right distance that feels the most stable for you. Gently lift your toes and notice the balls and heel of your feet contacting the ground beneath you, root down through these points. Relax your toes back down and sense the inner arches of your feet.

With a sense of playful imagination, feel the energy of the Earth traveling up through the inner arches of your feet, up through your ankles, inner calves and thighs and now the center line of your core. Imagine this midline at the center of your body from the crown of your head to your feet stabilizing you.

With your hands at your hips, take a slow deep breath in, drawing in this Earth energy, let this in breath lengthen your spine - as you breath out, feel your shoulders relax and ground down through the heels and balls of your feet. Without lifting up the other foot, shift your weight to the right foot, then left - ease back and forth to get a sense of your balance and steadiness while remaining grounded. 

Begin shifting your weight onto the right foot, when you're feeling stable enough bend your left knee and turn it outwards toward the left, gently opening up your hip on the left side. Lightly contact the ground with the ball of your left foot as you draw your left heel in close to your right ankle. You can remain here in your Tree Pose or let your left foot travel up to your inner calf or thigh (avoid resting your foot at the right knee joint, either place it above or below this area).

Once you've found the right position for your tree, stay rooted and breath for a few moments. Feel free to release your hands from your hips to let your branches travel through the air, maybe over head or perhaps resting at the heart space. Tip: Allow the standing leg's knee to slightly bend for better stability.

When you're ready to try this on the other side, slowly release your left leg back to standing. Take a little pause to breathe and notice any difference in sensation between each leg. Now shift your weight over to the left foot, rooting down through the balls and heel. When you're feeling stable enough, repeat the same steps to grow your tree.

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