This is a great relaxation exercise to try any time you feel tired, stressed, angry or frustrated. It is also very helpful if you can’t fall asleep.
Begin with a gentle warm up, and then start your relaxation with tree pose. Stand tall, find a still point to focus on, and imagine your feet rooting firmly into the ground. Slowly lift one leg and bring the sole of your foot to the inside of your standing leg. Press your foot and leg into each other to keep you steady, and reach your arms up to the sky. Take several deep breaths and imagine the cool fall breeze blowing by; Feel the warmth of the sun and see your leaves slowly turning to beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Gently lower down and move to the other side.
When you have completed your tree pose on both sides, lower down to the mat and rest in savasana. Lay down on your back, with your feet falling to the sides and your palms open to the sky.
Close your eyes and allow your whole body to relax. Let your feet relax, let your legs sink into the mat, allow your belly and your back to get soft and heavy, feel your arms melt and let your neck and head be totally supported by the ground. Imagine that your yoga mat slowly turns to a soft pile of autumn leaves; Let your body sink in and hear them crunching underneath you. Take a deep breath and smell the crisp and earthy air. See above you the clear blue sky, with fluffy white clouds slowly drifting by. Maybe you see a flock of birds heading south for the winter, flying together in a perfect V shape. Then in your mind see the trees all around you, getting ready for the winter. Watch the leaves turning their vibrant colors. See them shudder and flutter, dancing all the way to the ground as the wind blows. All around you the leaves fall, surrounding you with their cozy warmth.
Keep breathing slow and steady. Watch the leaves fall until you feel completely at surrounded; resting in your pile of leaves. Stay here for as long as you want, being nourished by the crisp autumn air and the warm sun.
When you are ready to get up, take a deep breath and stretch your body from fingertips to toes. Keep your eyes closed, curl up and roll onto one side. Slowly sit up and take a minute or two to focus on your breath. Gently open your eyes, and try to keep that peaceful feeling with you throughout the rest of your day.