Turning Inwards: An Autumn Journey Through the Koshas

As the leaves begin to gather on the ground and the sky light softens into golden hues, autumn invites us into a season of natural introspection. Just as trees draw their energy inward, preparing for winter's rest, we too are called to journey from the external world toward our innermost centre.

The Wisdom of the Season

Autumn is nature's masterclass in letting go. The earth teaches us that there is profound beauty in release, in drawing back, in turning our attention from the outward expansion of summer to the quiet depths within. I have chosen for this theme to link the seasonal shift with the koshas within yoga philosophy— the five layers of our being.

A Visualisation: Journey to Your Centre

The visualisation to support your inner focus for this term: Find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Allow your eyes to close softly, and begin to notice your breath without changing it.

“Taking your awareness to your right foot and then moving your awareness up your leg over your hip then slightly inwards until you arrive at the centre of your body. Then moving to your left foot in the same way moving your awareness up until it arrives at the centre of your body, then moving to your right hand moving across your arm over your shoulder and a little inwards and down to your centre, doing the same from your left hand. Then moving to the crown of your head down to the centre of your body. Adding the extra layer of your breath; breathing as you move from one of these points to your centre and then breathe out as you land here, continuing to move around these five outer points of your physical body and inviting them inwards to your centre..”

When we practice this inward visualization during autumn, we align ourselves with nature's rhythm. We honour the season's invitation to rest, reflect, and replenish. This isn't about withdrawing from life, but rather about touching the source; connecting to your hrdayam (your heart centre) this place that is considered to be your consciousness, your essence, your being.

The Koshas: Layers of Being

This inward journey beautifully maps onto the five Koshas described in yogic philosophy:

Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body) - Like autumn's visible transformation, this is our outermost layer, our physical form that we can see and touch.

Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body) - As you draw awareness inward, you meet the vital life force, the breath and energy currents that animate your being, much like the sap that trees draw inward during autumn.

Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body) - Deeper still, you encounter the thinking mind, the emotions, and reactions—the falling leaves of thoughts that swirl and settle.

Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body) - Beyond the busy mind lies intuition and inner knowing, the quiet wisdom that emerges when we truly listen, like the silent intelligence that guides nature's cycles.

Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body) - At the very centre rests your essence, pure consciousness, untouched joy—your unchanging core, present through all seasons of life.

As you move through your yoga practice this season, let each pose become an opportunity to journey inward. Let each breath draw you closer to your centre. Let the autumn air remind you that turning inward is not a retreat from life—it's a return to your essence.

Here is the YouTube link to practice the visualisation meditation:

You can join me for weekly in-person classes in Comberbach and Northwich, and also from your home with my Gentle Mat & Chair live online classes. 

1-to-1 and Corporate classes are also available.