August Theme 2026
By Jackie Hudson
August is the last month of summer and in the Northern Hemisphere is the warmest month. The first day in August is known as Lammas. Lammas is a medieval and modern-day celebration and means ‘Loaf-mass’ – the day on which loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and then laid on the church altars as offerings. Neo pagans also adopted the date and it appears on their wheel of the year as one of the harvest festivals.
It is the warmest month but this year is particularly hot and we are getting hotter – and we are all concerned with the wild fires both in the UK and abroad that are increasing as the temperature rises. This of course, is only one aspect and effect of global warming, plastic pollution, climate refuge crises, biodiversity losses and greenhouse gas levels higher than ever.
We are all aware of the need to address the issues and I’m sure most of you will are ecologically aware and have adjusted your lifestyles and made choices that reduce your own carbon footprint, waste and consumption, helping to conserve and restore nature.
For myself, yoga seems to be one conversation and global warming a separate one.
However, if we look at the roots of yoga. The Bhagavadgita teaches that the world, and we, are fundamentally interconnected and that each action-inaction and impulse, however small brings karmic repercussions which shape us, our reality and that of others whilst also contributing to or detracting from dharma (the moral and cosmic good). In today’s world that inaction to address the environmental crises amounts to a form of violence and lack of responsibility. Also if we looks to the yamas and niyamas – the very first one – AHIMSA (non-harming) and the second – SATYA (truthfulness). Iyengar linked these two together …“Truth is the soul communicating with conscience”.
It can feel overwhelming and many have said they feel powerless as government policies and international issues are way beyond our influence. However, we can cultivate our own inner life through yogic pathways of ‘skilful action’ and coming from a place of love and compassion affect our own homes, families and communities.
So, for a practice during the hot month of August…it has to be said that if you are still reading this you are more than likely female (majority of our members are)…and apparently women feel the heat more than men due to hormone levels at various time, body fat distribution etc..so perhaps be mindful that this is a time for you to practice and live in a restorative and nurturing manner.
Find a cool spot, if outside then shading under a lovely tree before she begins her graceful release into September and October. Slow, mindful practice with plenty of time for pranayama. The cooling breaths are lovely (Sitali and Sitkari) – or simply the subtle focus of the cooling inhalation in the nostrils – particularly the left (ida) for the moon breath (Chandra bhedana). Be mindful that ujjayi breathing can be a heating breath so be excessively gentle with yourselves and don’t forget to drink extra water and enjoy the sattvic, cooling foods and fruits.
Hari om tat sat
Jackie x