September Theme of the Month

As we move into late summer and head our way towards Autumn, we feel the change in the energy and the weather. Its’s feeling fresher in the mornings and getting darker gradually each evening. I’ve really noticed the trees this week changing colour and seen more leaves on the ground.

I’ve also been tidying up around the trees at the allotment this weekend, clearing the apples and pears that have fallen early and picking the fruit that is ripe now.

Funny enough where we stayed in Suffolk, the owner was showing us his fruit trees, and he gave us some cooking apples and some really delicious eating apples from someone else in the village. We’ve been eating baked apples with spices, nuts, coconut oil and maple syrup which are a real treat for us.

When I go for my walks in the morning, I find it so relaxing to walk through the trees around the Lea Valley and see the many types of trees, each one so different.

With all that focus on trees lately I thought it would be something I could link into the monthly theme of our yoga classes. Trees have so much to teach us about the natural world and how we can take that wisdom into our own life. They are an endless source of knowledge are prepared to teach and nurture us if we could listen to what they say.

Be more like a tree, stand tall, rooted and strong, upright and grounded, be patient and persistent, weather storms and challenges with resilience and live in harmony with the natural cycles of life. They show us how to let go of what they don’t need and find strength in flexibility as they bend in the wind without breaking.

Try and make time as much as you can be regularly to go for a walk outside - It’s so refreshing for the mind. Trees help us feel less stressed and more restored and can even boost our mood when we are feeling down. Walking through woods and taking in smells, colours, textures, sounds, shapes and wildlife also enhance our wellbeing.

This month we will bring in some of the lessons that trees teach us in class and of course work through the balance tree pose and variations of tree. We have more in common than we think with trees and forests and timeless lessons are available to us all.

Wisdom Of The Trees

Week 1 – Spread Your Roots
A tree buries its roots deep into the earth and spreads them out over a large area. Often hidden from sight the roots are what grounds the tree. In yoga the concept of rooting refers to the practice of pressing down through the points of contact through the ground to create stability and strength. The practice of root to rise is essential to build a strong, grounded and more balanced posture.

Week 2 – Resilience and Strength
When we are resilient, we keep going when things are tricky and we don’t give up and it’s not always easy to be resilient. At times when we find it hard to keep going, we can think about the trees in the wind. Most of the time the wind blows the trees, and they bend but don’t break. - Being strong but flexible is the key not only in yoga poses but also in challenging moments in life.

Week 3 – Growth and Direction
Our yoga tree balance posture can serve as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and direction. The pose can encourage us to have to ability to grow and adapt in any direction that we chose. Just like a tree can grow upwards and reach towards the sky the arms in tree pose might be out to the side for balance, with palms together in front of the chest, raised high and wide about the head or palms above us reaching high for the sky. Just like trees we can change our direction at any point and learn to be adaptable.

Week 4 – Patience and Non-Attachment
A big oak tree starts from a small seed, and this concept can remind us that small beginnings can lead to significant growth and direction over time. With our principles of yoga, consistent practice, mindful intention cultivates inner strength and awareness. Trees show patience through their slow deliberate growth. The concept of non-attachment is also connected to the nature of trees. They remain rooted in one place and see the changing seasons; they have the ability to witness the world without judgment and have the value of patience and non-attachment which are qualities which lead to acquiring knowledge and finding inner peace.

Week 5 – Selflessness
Trees are often symbols of selflessness which connects to the principles of giving, interconnectedness and long-term benefits for others. Trees can exist for the benefit of the environment, and their selfless giving includes benefitting humans, nurturing all sorts of animals with shelter, shade, food and habitat without asking for anything in return. True selfless service requires overcoming attachment and cultivating a loving attitude towards the task itself. I read something recently which stuck with me saying that when you practice yoga you benefit other people too as the qualities that you develop benefit the people that you interact with in everyday life.

Related Videos

Root To Rise
Be Grounded Stay Present
Strength & Flexibility
Core Strength

This Month’s Music

Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.