Autumn is characterized by cold, dry, light, rough, and clear. A cup of tea, bowl of soup or stew and a soul stirring visit to Community Yoga all help to keep you healthy and happy!
A nice yoga practice for this season is a Three-Part-Breath. It is warming and nurturing for the body and spirit. The deep and slow breath sends a signal to your body that you are safe and happy.
Start the practice by sitting or even lying down. Keep the spine erect, shoulders relaxed. You could use a blanket to cover your body or wrap around your shoulders.
Place your hands on your belly. Exhale all of your breath. Begin taking a slow, deep, breath through your nostrils. Feel your belly rise with your breath. The lower part of your lungs expands and creates a type of internal massage.
Move your hand from your stomach to your ribs as you continue to fill with air, feeling the ribs expand with your inhale. Move the breath all the way up to your collar bones.
Exhale naturally until you return back to the bottom of your belly.
Begin again, breathing in very slowly starting with your belly first, moving up to your rib cage, then to your collar bones. Practice 3 rounds and sit or lie quietly for a few moments before arising. Smile and give yourself a hug for taking a few moments to relax.

Tags: breathing, relax, three part breath, yoga
