Finding Your Footing: Creating Stability as the Seasons Change

There are two things I have been hearing on repeat lately.

1) I'm worried about my balance

2) I'm ready for a new routine

Those two things might seem unrelated, but for late summer into early fall, they actually have something important in common. The thing that they have in common as an underlying need is stability.

The first set of concerns came from people navigating our historic streets (which are pretty treacherous in some parts), another person falling off a curb while crossing the street, and someone else going on a hike that made them feel less confident in their abilities than they'd like to feel.

These experiences can feel defeating. When we stop trusting our bodies, we may start avoiding the walks, hikes, trips, or everyday activities we love, and that's no way to live.

Being worried about your balance is more than just seeing how long you can stand on one foot. Although, that's not a bad way to check in and set a baseline. You should try it on each leg and let me know what you notice!

The second set of people have been on vacations, going to cookouts and other outdoor activities, having the kids out of school, not having consistent meal times- and just really having fun with no rhyme or reason. 

Which is fun...

But now they are ready for a serious shift.

Summer disrupts predictability

Then when you combine that with temperatures dropping, winds picking up, things getting drier (like the corn being harvested, or the brown grass on our lawns)- Vata dosha blows in with the fall winds.

When that seasonal shift meets a system that's already been living without much rhythm, the effects can accumulate.

This is one of the reasons I think so many people naturally begin craving routine at this time of year. Sometimes the desire to "get back on track" isn't about productivity at all. It may simply be your system asking for more predictability. 

So it's really helpful to get in a good routine now, fall has a way of getting busy quickly-and then the holidays aren't far behind. Creating a little stability now gives you something to return to when life inevitably gets fuller (and icier).

So what can you do?

Balance & Routine Start with Predictability

When your system has some predictability around when you eat, sleep, wake, and move, it reduces some of the constant need to adapt, which can also help lower our overall stress load.

This isn't about choosing some willy-nilly thing and forcing yourself to do it- it's about figuring out where you are out of balance, and course correcting. Whether it's mentally or physically. First we observe, then we analyze and put together an appropriate, accessible, and effective plan. 

Physical Balance Has a Foundation, Too

There can be many factors that contribute to changes in physical balance, such as: vision, inner ear issues, blood pressure, structural imbalances, or simply being stronger or weaker on one side. 

That's why balance work isn't simply about practicing standing on one leg over and over. Sometimes we need to look at the foundation first—your breath, posture, feet, core strength, coordination, and how the different parts of your body are working together.

Settle the Mind, Prepare the Body

One of the beautiful things about the yoga tradition is that it offers us many tools to do both of these things at once. Do you know which ones are best for you?

Whatever the reason, please know that there are many ways to support the improvement of our physical and mental balance.

Want to try a fun breathing technique that is extremely effective when your mind feels like it's going a million miles an hour? 

Bee Buzzing Breath (Bhramari) gives your attention a sound and sensation to focus on while creating a soothing, humming vibration. It's simple, it works quickly, and it can be a beautiful way to invite your nervous system toward a quieter, more settled state.

What Do You Need Right Now?

Put your hands on your heart, take a couple of breaths, and ask yourself-

what do I really need right now...

Maybe you need more confidence in your physical body. Maybe your mind needs something steady to focus on. Maybe you simply need breakfast, bedtime, movement, or ten quiet minutes to happen with a little more consistency.

It's not the same for everyone, but there are definitely patterns.

It's about creating enough stability—in your body, your mind, and your daily rhythm—that you feel supported rather than constantly trying to catch up.

And if you need help figuring out what that looks like—or executing it—I'm here for you.

Continue Exploring

Want to explore independently? Try an on demand library or course

Want to experience Ground with me? Join the Ground Community Reiki Circle.

Want to understand your body’s needs? Work with me privately

Not sure where to begin? Start with my quiz

I hope after reading this your shoulders are a little further away from your ears because you're one step closer to a plan, feeling grounded, and having more focus and confidence as the seasons change.

Don't forget! I want to know- how long can you stand on one leg?

Try both sides and let me know what you notice in the comments below. Is one side easier than the other? Did anything surprise you?

And if you tried the Bee Buzzing Breath too, I'd love to hear how you felt afterward.

Bonus if you test your balance, do either of the practices, and test it again.