September Theme 2026:
Elemental Balance in a Changing World
By Barbara Wilkin
This summer has been one of extremes. In Yoga philosophy, summer is shaped by the Fire element (Agni) — intensity,
heat, outward energy — balanced by the Water element (Jala), which offers softness, fluidity and cooling. This year, the
dominance of Fire was unmistakable.
Five heatwaves swept across the country, and although the south endured the harshest temperatures, here in Cheshire
we felt the strain too. Weeks passed with hardly any rain. The wildfires around the Manchester area were unsettling, a
stark reminder of how climate change is no longer distant but woven into our daily lives. I found myself watering my
garden and allotment every evening, coaxing plants to survive the relentless heat. I felt increasingly worried — not just
about the extreme heat itself, but about what it signalled for our future in a world shaped by accelerating global
warming.
Yet alongside the anxiety, there were moments of profound beauty. Warm nights stretched long into darkness, offering
time to sit outside with family and friends. We watched bats flicker across the sky, traced constellations overhead, and
felt the rare stillness that only a hot summer night can bring.
September is the month where late summer gently flows into the first signs of autumn. As a teacher of both Hatha and
Yin Yoga, I looked to both traditions’ understanding of this seasonal transition — how each system interprets the shift in
energy, and how our practice can support us through it.
🌻Late Summer — Earth (TCM) & Prithvi / Agni (Yoga)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer belongs to the Earth element, associated with digestion, grounding and
emotional steadiness. The Spleen and Stomach meridians play a central role here, supporting nourishment and stability.
Yoga philosophy mirrors this through Prithvi (Earth), the element of steadiness and structure, supported by the gentle
warmth of Agni (Fire) as summer energy begins to cool.
Yin Yoga for the Earth Element
Late summer’s Yin shapes encourage grounding and nourishment.
The Spleen meridian runs up the inner legs and into the abdomen, supporting stability and emotional balance. The
Stomach meridian travels down the front of the body and through the thighs, supporting digestion and assimilation.
- Butterfly (Yin Baddha Konasana) — stimulates the inner legs where the Spleen meridian flows.
- Caterpillar (Yin Paschimottanasana) — gently compresses the front body, supporting the Stomach meridian.
- Dragon (Yin lunge variations) — opens the hip flexors and groin along the Spleen meridian pathway.
- Supported Child’s Pose — softens the front body and calms the nervous system.
Hatha Yoga for Late Summer
Hatha practices in late summer emphasise stability, balance and cooling.
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) — strengthens the legs and builds steadiness.
- Tree Pose (Vrksasana) — encourages balance and centred focus.
- Malasana (Garland Pose) — supports digestion and grounding.
- Supported Forward Fold (Uttanasana) — lengthens the back body and encourages release.
- Cat–Cow (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana) — mobilises the spine and soothes lingering heat.
- Cooling pranayama (Sheetali / Chandra Bhedana) — regulates the nervous system and reduces excess warmth.
🍂Autumn — Metal (TCM)
As September leans toward autumn, TCM shifts into the Metal element — the energy of breath, clarity and letting go.
The Lung and Large Intestine meridians guide this transition, helping us release what is no longer needed and create
space for what is emerging.
Yin Yoga for the Metal Element
Autumn’s Yin shapes open the chest, side body and upper back.
The Lung meridian runs from the upper chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb, supporting breath and
emotional openness. The Large Intestine meridian travels from the index finger up the outer arm, across the shoulders
and neck, supporting release and letting go.
Supportive Yin practices for the Metal element:
- Sphinx Pose — stimulates the Lung meridian through gentle chest opening.
- Melting Heart — opens the chest and inner arms, supporting both meridians.
- Bananasana — lengthens the side body along the rib and meridian lines.
- Supported Fish Pose — expands the chest and enhances Lung meridian flow.
Hatha Yoga for Autumn
Hatha Yoga aligns autumn with Vayu (Air) and Akasha (Space), inviting spaciousness and reflection.
- Anahatasana (HeartMelting Pose) — opens the chest and shoulders.
- Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) with gentle backbend — creates space across the front body.
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) — strengthens the back body and expands the chest.
- Side Body Stretches — improve breath capacity and encourage spaciousness.
- Shoulder opening movements — ease tension and support clarity.
- Slow, breath led flows — cultivate softness and introspection.
🧘♀️ Seasonal Invitation
This September invites us to move from nourishment to clarity, grounding to spaciousness, and holding to releasing. By
blending Hatha’s balancing qualities with Yin’s introspective stillness — and honouring both Yoga’s elements and TCM’s
Five Elements — we create a practice that supports the body and spirit as nature gently turns inward.
🙏Closing Note
As we move through this gentle shift from late summer into autumn, may your practice offer steadiness where life feels
uncertain and spaciousness where you need room to breathe. These seasonal transitions remind us that change is not
only inevitable but deeply natural — and that our yoga practice can be a steady companion through it all.
Wishing you grounding, clarity and ease as we step into September together.
Barbara