Autumn Winds

Some thoughts on fall, with inspiration from natasha's pureprana newsletter:
October is my favorite month, really the heart of the Fall season. The abundant days, cool autumn winds, vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and majestic beauty embody this season of change. In this busy season it's important to remember to stay connected with your true divine nature (deep stillness and ecstatic bliss) and your breath. Cherish the abundance, rich colors, and crisp air...and find gratitude with every step you take. You will elevate and radiate total truth in all you do!

Thoughts on Early Morning Sadhana (via the pureprana website):
Here's how Yogi Bhajan explained sadhana: http://www.3ho.org/lifestyle/yogapractice.html. And here's how to do it:
Eat less for dinner the night before, and get to bed by 10pm.
Awake at 4am & take a shower, cold at least in part.
Put on white warm ups and a head covering, such as a bandana or ripped TShirt
(if you don't have white, no problem). If you're late, even by an hour, still show up - you'll still get the benefit.

Sadhana starts with a chant of a 15 minute sacred poem whose Sanskrit-like language incorporates
permutations of the mouth that directly stimulate the endocrine system - the guardians of health.
We then practice a 40 minute kriya workout like any typical kundalini yoga class.
For the final hour we sing seven mantras in meditation, reaching an incredibly elevated state.
By adhering to Yogi Bhajan's urging to practice yoga before sunrise, we work on our personal issues
in the most neutral time of the day (called the Ambrosial Hours), and we catch the awakening waves of the earth which sustain us throughout the day.

Practicing nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing/channel cleansing) will bring balance to the right and left hemispheres of the brain leaving you well grounded and energized at the same time. The yogis consider this to be the best technique to calm the mind and nervous system.The most important thing to remember is that the breath should never feel forced.

To begin...

• Find a comfortable seat.
• Gently close off the right nostril using the right thumb.
• Inhale through your left nostril to a count of four seconds. Close off the left nostril with the pinky finger and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril and exhale for a count of eight.
• This completes one half cycle of nadi shodhana.
• To continue, inhale through the right nostril to a count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with the thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This comepletes one full round nadi shodhana.

Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you reach seven rounds. As you advance, add breath retention to the top and bottom of each inhalation and exhalation.

You should not practice alternate nostril breathing if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way. Always be mindful when practicing any pranayama exercises that nothing should ever feel forced.