Fall into Calm: Embracing Slow Movements for Mental Health and Inner Peace

As the leaves shift colours and the air turns crisp, fall nudges us to pause and reflect. This season, with its rich hues and gentle transitions, reminds us of the beauty found in stillness. In our fast-paced world, adopting slow, grounding movements can greatly enhance our mental wellness. By reconnecting with ourselves, we not only cultivate tranquility but also make the most of this reflective season.

The Power of Slow Movements

Slow movements extend beyond physical exercise; they represent a holistic approach to wellness. Gentle activities such as yoga

or mindful walking help us engage with our bodies and breathe more deeply. These practices foster presence in the moment, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

For example, studies indicate that just 10 minutes of mindful walking can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. When we choose to move slowly, we create an opportunity to listen to what our bodies communicate. This mindfulness often reveals areas of tension we might overlook in our hectic lives. By acknowledging these sensations, we can nurture ourselves, promoting healing and relaxation.

Grounding Techniques for Mental Clarity

Grounding techniques play a vital role in maintaining mental clarity, especially during the fluctuating fall months. These practices, which increase our feelings of stability and connection to the earth, can be incredibly soothing. Simple activities such a staking five deep breaths, or imagining roots extending from our feet into the ground can help us feel more anchored.

To incorporate grounding into your daily routine, consider taking a few moments each day to stretch or practice mindful breathing. Activities like these centre your thoughts and emotions, enhancing your ability to meet life’s challenges with greater ease.

Embracing Nature's Rhythm

Nature has a remarkable way of reminding us to slow down. The changing colours of leaves, the sound of rustling branches, and the crispness of the air all encourage us to pause and appreciate the beauty surrounding us. Spending time outdoors this fall can greatly enhance our mental health and overall well-being.

Eye-level view of a serene forest path lined with colorful autumn leaves

The Benefits of Mindful Movement

Mindful movement practices, such as yoga are especially beneficial throughout the fall months. These activities encourage us to move with intention, promoting a sense of calm and balance. Gentle movement can release tension and stress, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves.

Incorporating mindful movement into your routine can be as simple as dedicating 10-15 minutes each day to practice a few asanas (stretch/balance/strengthen) or practice breath awareness through pranayama.

Thank you to Yoga Chelsea Monthly Members

I'd like to take this time to express a sincere thank you to all our monthly members who gather together every Thursday and Sunday to practice in community. It has been five years since the ~Flow with Laura ~ Virtual Studio was first born. During that difficult time when lockdowns and coming together indoors was not possible, we began gathering together online.

In yoga we would call this gathering a sangha. A sangha is a community or assembly of people who come together for a common interest, particularly in the context of spiritual or yoga practice. It implies a group with a shared intention and goal. This shared goal we truly have. It is a joy and a pleasure to share this time with those who join me regularly 🙏🏻

If you are not a member but feel called to join our Sangha please click on the image below to get all the information.

Spirit of Peace & Love 🙏🏻

Aligning with the spirit of peace, love and interconnectedness, I am introducing a new peace chant and mantra into our regular yoga classes. This peace mantra is ancient and has been (and continues to be) chanted worldwide for thousands of years.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu (Sanskrit: लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु) is a Sanskrit mantra that often chanted at the conclusion of a yoga practice.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu means “may everyone, in the whole world, be happy.” It can be chanted, sung or meditated upon to offer as a prayer, or shloka for the whole world. Another popular translation is “may all beings, everywhere, be free and happy.” This is still accurate, except the mantra doesn’t specifically say the word free, but rather, it is implied.

It is said that this mantra is thousands of years old, but it is not specifically found in the Vedas, which holds the documentation of many other popular mantras. Rather, lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu is thought to be part of a Shanti mantra, a peace mantra.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu can sometimes be heard at the end of a puja (a ceremony of thanksgiving), as part of the group participation and offering. In modern society, this mantra appears mostly during kirtan or group chanting. Often this mantra acts as a group offering of happiness for the whole world. (Source: Yogapedia.com)

Here is a link to a lovely modern recorded version by David Lurey of this wonderful ancient chant.

loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu

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Learn to Teach Yoga to Young Children
Learn to Teach Simple Meditations to Young Children

🧸 Play and learning is central to this training. With the use of games, songs, storytelling and an interactive learning environment participants will gain practical strategies specific to teaching yoga to young children.