August…that golden stretch of late summer when the tomatoes are finally ripe and the sun’s still going strong.
Whether your house just got a lot louder (hello school holidays!) or you’re soaking in the remaining lazy days of summer before things speed up again, August is a beautiful moment to pause, take a breath and check in.
It’s harvest season in the garden and the fields, but it’s also harvest season in life. A time to ask:
What have I grown this year? What’s blooming and what am I ready to gently let go of?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, August belongs to the Earth element, which is all about nourishment and feeling grounded. The Earth element wants you to eat well, stretch gently and connect.
It’s also the season of transitions. You’re slowly edging away from the full fire of summer but you’re not quite in autumn’s “back to business” energy either. It’s the inbetween, which makes it the perfect time to anchor yourself with a little yoga…and maybe some chocolate?!
Let’s be real…if you’re like me with the kids off school and your routine flipped upside down, grounding becomes essential. The key asana we are working on this series are here to help you feel strong, stable and slightly more centred.
Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)
This wide-legged squat is your power stance. It opens the hips, strengthens the legs, and reminds you of your inner strength:
Mantra: “I am grounded, fierce, and capable”
Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
Twisty and focused, this pose helps you balance and find inner control and calm. Wrap yourself up, breathe deeply and repeat to yourself:
Mantra: “I stay steady in the swirl of life.”
Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Open up, stretch out and reconnect to your breath. Triangle gives you space to expand while keeping your feet planted:
Mantra: “I am rooted and radiant, even when plans change.”
August has a wonderful energy. It’s full of life; the messy, loud, beautiful kind. Your schedule might be different with lots of lovely summer plans, maybe a holiday or maybe your kitchen might look like a paint/ glitter stand has just exploded…but, fear not, your yoga mat is always waiting.
So let your practice be the place you come home to, the place you breathe deeply and the place that reminds you:
You are strong, rooted, and ready for whatever the rest of summer brings.
“I am grounded, flexible and growing…even in flip-flops.”
Just an FYI…I am away on holiday for two weeks with the family from Saturday 16th August. The final class will be Saturday 16th August with classes resuming as normal from Tuesday 2nd September.
I hope you all have a wonderful August, whatever you may be doing and that I see you on the mat soon!
Love, health and happiness,
Rae xxx
WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH
Balanced Soul classes in August finish on Saturday 16th August. Classes will resume as normal from Tuesday 2nd September.
Full Moon Sound Bath– Friday 8th August, 7-8pm. Contact Rachel directly via rachel@mycalminthecity.co.uk for enquiries and to book your space.
Mum and Baby Postnatal Yoga– Starting Tuesday 9th September, 11:30am- 12:30. This 6 week block course is designed to support your physical recovery, boost your mental and emotional wellbeing and help you bond with your baby… all while connecting with other amazing new mums! Cost- £65. Book online via the link: https://balancedsoulyogaandtherapy.co.uk/book-now/