YOGA ASANAS FOR THE NOVEMBER FULL MOON

As we are getting closer to the end of this year, you might be feeling mixed emotions and energy shifts. This usually does happen to most people as we close another year, but this November 23rd we also have a full moon in Gemini which is bound to stir some things up. Firstly full moons occur when the sun and the moon are opposite one another, so that already creates some tension. The sun is vibrant and light and it represents the characteristics of being social, curious, expressive, a doer, motivated and determined. The moon however is subtler, it represents the more introverted aspects of the self, the self-reflection, thinking and feeling. So when these are opposing, we can feel in a conundrum about what is actually going on inside, about how we want to move forward, or which plans we want to pursue etc. This particular full moon is in the sign of Gemini, which is all about duality and reaching a state of balance. Gemini is an air sign, energetic and dynamic. It can move quickly and change directions at any point. So this week before and during this full moon, it’s best to work on self-control, thinking before speaking or taking action, and taking your time before you commit to anything.
 
Yoga is a wonderful way to bring harmony in the body and create balance between the mental, physical and emotional self. Here are some yoga asanas to practice during this full moon. 

VRKSASANA 
TREE POSE

Stay put this full moon! Vrksasana is a standing balancing asana, helping us to find our grounding and bring the body in a peaceful, aligned state. This pose teaches us to be patient and move slowly, in order to maintain our physical balance and internal equilibrium. As this is a balancing asana, we must focus on a still point (dristhi) in order to achieve this state of being still whilst on one foot. In doing so, this improves our concentration and minimises rash impulse decisions. It’s a great pose for connecting with Mother Nature, so take your shoes off, find a nice spot on the grass and allow yourself to find your inner balance. Click here to learn more about tree pose. 

BALASANA 
CHILD'S POSE

Curl up and go within! Balasana is a reflective pose, empowering us to be still and connect with our inner self. It requires no physical effort, therefore it’s good to just give your body a break and relax the muscles. As you stay in this asana, take a mental journey through your body and see how you are feeling. How is your emotional self-doing? Are there any aspects that you have been ignoring? Is there a specific part of your body you need to give more nurturing to? As there can be tension felt during the full moon days, bring your awareness to this and why exactly is this tension affecting you and how can you release this energy? Click here to learn more about balasana. 

SUPTA VIRASANA
RECLINED HERO POSE

Supta virasana has a calming effect on the mind helping release symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. In comparison to balasana, in supta virasana we actually open ourselves to the world, by opening our heart centre. Due to the slight bend of the back, this asana can sometimes ask us to let go of some painful events or experiences in order to move on with an open heart and a peaceful mind. Think of the approach "Let go of everything that is holding you back so you can walk forward with ease and clarity) This pose also improves flexibility of the spine, which also applies to the mind. Click here to learn more about reclined hero pose. 

HALASANA
PLOW POSE

This is another asana which asks us to curl up and go within. Halasana provides a great stretch to the back and the legs, releasing any muscular tension and pain in these areas. It also helps relieve any overthinking, by energising the mind in a way that it clears out any negative patterns of thought or unnecessary worry.  On an energetic level, this asana activates vishudi chakra, which represents communication, much like the sign of Gemini; but it also empowers us to freedom of expression and communicating clearly and truthfully. Click here to learn more about plow pose. 

NADI SHODHANA 
ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

This type of pranayama/yogic breathing is perfect for this full moon. Nadi shodana, also known as alternate nostril breathing, brings the feminine and the masculine sides of the body together in balance. The left side represents the moon (feminine) and the right side represents the sun (masculine). This pranayama exercise creates a calming effect on the mind and it relieves any overthinking, mental chatter and worry. It is quite meditative too and creates alignment throughout the entire body. Nadi Shodhana can be practiced at any point during the day, but for this full moon, it can be done so at night just before bed time. Click here to learn more about nadi shodhana. 

Finish your practice with a 10 minute shavasana practice. Lie down on a yoga mat or blanket, with your back straight and connected to the ground. Breathe mindfully and focus on every inhale and every exhale. Let any thoughts that come to you go with every exhale. As always, when it comes to full moon time, remember to just keep you cool and just flow with what it happening. Take your time to reflect, go within and breathe deeply. Remember that everything is temporary, and if you feel any tension, stress or frustrations, practice mindful breathing and patience. This will eventually pass.