September 6, 2011 by yogawithlynn
Many classical yoga poses were originally inspired by the amazing elements of nature. Some can help us to connect with the characteristics of animals (such as the cat, eagle, cobra or dog). Others named after plants, encourage us to see the interconnections of life (lotus, tree etc) and still others help us appreciate the awesome qualities of physical elements, such as the Sun, Moon and mountains.
Yoga stories, which make use of such names, are often used to help children engage with yoga. Here is a simple routine I have planned to encourage children and adults connect with the autumn. I only give brief descriptions here as an understanding of yoga is needed to safely perform some of the postures, especially with children. That said, even with no knowledge of yoga asanas, you could still act this scene through using the body to mind to become autumn.
Being autumn
Lotus (or easy pose) Deep breathing with hands moving from namaste to above head (padmasana)
Lotus hand dance Use fingers to make birds, insects, fishes with sounds such as bumblebee lips (or bhramari)
Group option – Blossoming lotus All sit in a dandasana circle, feet close together, hold hands, lean back to floor, alternate leg raises, return gently to dandasana using elbows and then neighbours hands
Growing tree Grow up tall into the tip toe pose from a compact crouching seed shape
Tree (Vrikshasana)
Eagle Imagine you are resting on a tree branch (Garudasana)
Mountain Use downward dog as you imagine that the eagle flies off to the mountain to hunt for food
Boat On a lake at the bottom of the mountain
Group option –Boat with a partner Sit opposite partner, toes touching, hold hands, lean back so legs raise through middle and you support each other
Group option – Seated twists Sit cross legged, left hand behind back, twist to the left a little and hold partners hands (opposites), inhale and exhale into twist then let go gently and swap sides
Rocking boat Imagine the wind building up – it is autumn! (gently rock forwards and back to a relaxed form of halasana)
Crow Become the bird and fly up from lake to the trees again
Swaying palm Standing firmly rooted in the wind, your leaves fall as you breath smoothly and sway from side to side
Ragdoll Leaves fall from the tree to the ground
Child’s pose Make a leaf pile on the ground
Corpse Rest in savasana as the goodness from the leaves soaks into the soil
Relaxation
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