Embrace the harvest moon

Article contributed by Dawn Wesselby, BWY teacher trainer

The Harvest Moon, the full moon nearest to the Autumnal Equinox, has long been a symbol of abundance. Its bright light once extended the working hours, allowing farmers to continue their harvest well into the evening. This period marks the second and final harvest of the year, making it an ideal time to complete unfinished projects and prepare for the winter ahead.

As the days shorten and the nights draw in, we spend less time outdoors, offering a perfect opportunity to embark on new studies or projects that can be nurtured and brought to life in the spring. If you do find yourself outdoors, take the time to deepen your connection with nature, perhaps through foraging (always leaving enough for the wildlife), or learning about local plant and herb lore. This is also the time to plant bulbs, ensuring a burst of color and life when spring returns.

Autumn isn’t just about preparing the earth for rest; it’s also a time for refreshing your own environment. Just as the leaves turn, you can swap out summer throws for cozy blankets, and add warm, autumnal hues to your space. And while Halloween may still be a few weeks away, there’s no need to wait to bring out those pumpkin decorations!

Cosy Chair Harvest Moon Salutation

Centring: Sit comfortably in a sturdy chair. With your hands resting on your lap, take a moment to reflect on what you have “harvested” this year. Consider your achievements and any tasks still awaiting completion.

Warm-ups (3-5 repetitions each)

Shoulder Shrugs: Inhale and raise your shoulders to your ears. Exhale with a loud sigh, dropping your shoulders.

Arm Lifts: Inhale, spreading your arms wide, then bring your palms together overhead. Exhale as your hands come to your heart, expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest.

Knee Lifts: Alternately lift each knee, hugging it towards your chest. As your feet return to the ground, give thanks for the earth’s bounty.

Leaf Kicks: Hold the sides of your chair and kick your legs alternately, imagining you’re kicking through autumn leaves.

Seated Cat/Cow: Move forward slightly in your chair. Exhale, rounding your back, then inhale, arching your spine and looking upward.

Harvest Moon Salute

Side Bends: Inhale and raise your arms overhead. Exhale as you bend to the left, then to the right, imagining yourself swaying like the grain in the wind.

Water Scoop: Exhale as you bend forward, cupping your hands as if gathering water from a stream. Inhale as you raise your arms and imagine splashing cool autumn water onto your face.

Twist (Left): Turn sideways on your chair to face the left. Inhale, then twist to the left, holding the back of the chair. Reflect on what you’ve left behind to make space for new growth.

Moon Circle (Right): Inhale, raising your right arm overhead in a large circle like the full moon. As your arm circles back, twist your body to the left.

Harvest Hold: Keeping your body facing left, step your right foot back, allowing your knee to drop toward the floor. Cup your hands together and visualize holding an abundance of the harvest.

Return: Bring your right foot back, then step it to the side to face forward. Repeat the sequence on the opposite side.

Breathing Practice

After your asana practice, take a few moments to observe your breath. Notice the warmth your body adds to the air as you exhale. You might want to practice Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) or, if familiar, Chandra Bhedana Pranayama.

Alternatively, rest your right hand on your abdomen and your left hand on your chest. As you inhale, feel your abdomen and chest expand, gathering energy for the winter months.

Relaxation

Conclude your practice by lying down, if possible, under a cozy blanket for a few minutes of restful stillness. Embrace the warmth and comfort of the season.