Shakti Rising Yoga

Writing has always been a passion for me, albeit the practice of it has been on the back burner simmering the creative juices slowly for some time. So when the invite came to write for the premier issue of Grand Valley Magazine, a classy community publication which features local writers and stunning photography, I was vastly honored. Featured below is the article that appeared in the Premier October issue. If you are local to the Grand Valley and have yet to pick up your copy of GVM go pick one up, read it, display it on your coffee table and watch your heart swell with pride and love for the amazing community we live in!

The seasons of the Grand Valley glide slowly into one another in accordance with the cycles of nature that govern their flow. I’ve lived in different places where the shift of seasons seem more abrupt, so I appreciate the cadence of change here in this valley.
Even so, I sometimes think “What? It’s already winter? Where did autumn go?”
Making time for small rituals is one way to create a pause and cloak ourselves in warmth and reflection. Think of it as seasonal alchemy. Being mindful, centered, and calm can bring us to a place where we acknowledge the waning light of the sun or savor the vibrant gold of the cottonwood leaves.
Don’t let the word “ritual” spook you. It’s just activity. Here’s a centering ritual you can do in 30 minutes. It’s all about tea (a spicy version called chai), breath, and massage.

Chai

Start heating a pot of water and begin adding chai spices (see recipe for Shakti Rising Chai in the January 2008 post). Once water has come to a boil, reduce to a simmer and find a quiet spot to lie down on the floor or on your bed.

Breathing

Lie on your back and listen to the sounds around you (a clock ticking, your dog snoring, whatever). Now notice the rhythm of your breath. Begin to cultivate a slower, deeper, quieter breath, and bring it into the abdomen. Place your right hand on your belly and bring your focus to the rise and fall of your abdomen. Continue for five minutes or so, then bring your attention back to the moment.

Massage

With a warming oil such as sesame or ashwagandha, massage your hands and feet. (These are balancing oils for the seasonal changes of fall and winter. Ashwagandha oil is available locally at Yoga West.) Work the oil into knuckles, joints, the spaces between digits.

Chai Again

Now you‘ve reconnected with your breath and honored your hard-working hands and feet. In the kitchen, your spices are simmering. Depending on how long your breathing meditation and massage have taken, it might be time to add tea bags (you’ll want the spices to simmer about half an hour). Leave the tea in for a few minutes; strain, add sweetener and milk and vanilla, if you like. Enjoy a steaming mug of chai sitting in the sunshine or looking outside through your favorite window. You can almost see the world turning, the seasons changing.