Klara’s Fall Yin Yoga Morning Routine

Today, Klara Brooks is taking over the blog to share her favorite fall morning ritual — a gentle, restorative yin yoga flow that helps her start the day grounded and centered. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious, she invites you to step onto the mat and into her world.

My Fall Morning Yoga Ritual

Hello, from all of us here in Glenn Arbor.

My name is Klara Brooks, yoga has always been my anchor, my quiet space to meet myself at the start of each day. With fall settling in, I’ve been leaning into a yin yoga practice that feels grounding, restorative, and nurturing — perfect for the season’s slower, inward energy. Today, I want to share this flow with you: first, I’ll explain why I chose each pose and the benefits it brings for this time of year, and then you’ll find the full sequence at the end, ready to follow as a complete morning ritual.

Even if you’ve never stepped on a mat before, this practice is less about perfect poses and more about finding a little calm in your morning — the same way I find calm in running my shop, meeting friends, or taking a quiet moment for myself in Glenn Arbor. Think of it as joining me in my world, in a small but meaningful daily ritual.

Why These Poses for Fall

Each pose in this flow has been chosen to nurture the body and mind during the fall season. Cooler days and shorter light invite us to slow down, release tension, and prepare for the inward, reflective energy of autumn. These poses help me center, restore, and prepare for the day — not unlike how I pace myself through life here in Glenn Arbor, balancing the things I love and the people I care about. You don’t have to be a yogi to feel the benefits; it’s about pausing, breathing, and meeting yourself where you are.

The Poses

• Easy Pose: This is our centering pose, telling the mind we are settling in on the mats and beginning to tune inward.

• Puppy Dog Pose: Opens the shoulders and spine, helping release tension from the upper body.

• Sphinx Pose: A gentle backbend to encourage heart opening and counteract the stress of daily responsibilities.

• Crocodile Pose: Restorative posture that stimulates the sacrum, improves digestion and circulation, reduces stress and anxiety, improves focus, boosts energy, and supports healthy posture.

• Seal Pose: Opens the chest and stretches the abdomen, balancing energy through the front of the body. This pose is similar to cobra, but the hands are spread out further to the sides of the body.

• Child’s Pose: A restorative posture to ground, calm the nervous system, and connect with breath.

• Sleeping Swan (Right & Left): Opens the hips deeply and encourages surrender and release.

  * The use of blocks or a bolster may allow for the body to really benefit from this pose in a more restorative manor.

• Cow Face Pose: Targets tight hips and shoulders, promoting flexibility and relaxation.

  *For this pose a strap may make this pose more accessible for those who have tight shoulders.

• Reclined Big Toe Pose (Right & Left): Stretches the hamstrings and lower back for overall grounding.

  *Using a strap to gently draw the toe to the side of the body allows this pose to be held longer. Bringing restoration to this more intense stretch

• Happy Baby: Opens the hips and releases tension in the lower back.

• Supine Spinal Twist (Right & Left): Gently stretches the spine, aids digestion, and supports balance.

  *Placing a or bolster under the knee of the bent leg will allow for a more restorative practice.

• Savasana: Final relaxation to integrate the practice, leaving body and mind restored.

  
  

Yin for When the Leaves Begin to Change

Now that you know why I choose these poses and how they help me feel grounded for the season, here’s the full flow — a little window into my mornings, and a way to step into my world for yourself.

Below is the full flow sequence for your morning ritual. The times are included to make it accessible for all practitioners. Or if you need something visual I’ve added a graphic to help bring life to the sequence — a helpful guide whether you prefer reading along or following the images on your mat. Make the practice yours no matter what you chose.

Full Yin Flow Sequence

• Easy Pose — 3 min

• Puppy Dog Pose — 4 min

• Sphinx Pose — 4 min

• Crocodile Pose — 5 min

• Seal Pose — 4 min

• Child’s Pose — 4 min

• Table Pose → Sleeping Swan Right Leg Forward — 5 min

• Table Pose → Sleeping Swan Left Leg Forward — 5 min

• Cow Face Pose — 3 min

• Reclined Big Toe Pose Right Side — 3 min

• Reclined Big Toe Pose Left Side — 3 min

• Happy Baby — 3 min

• Supine Spinal Twist Right Side — 3 min

• Happy Baby — 3 min

• Supine Spinal Twist Left Side — 3 min

• Savasana — 5 - 10min

A Final Note From Brittni:

Enjoyed Klara’s yoga flow? Dive into her world in A Fragrant Melody. Subscribe for updates, sneak peeks, and a front-row seat to life in Glenn Arbor — mornings, friendships, and all the cozy moments in between.