Imagine a life where you harmonize with the changing seasons, where your well-being is not only reactive to the environment but actively adjusted to embrace balance at all times. This picturesque concept is at the heart of Ayurveda - an ancient system of medicine with roots in India, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and well-being. Let's dive into the essence of Ayurvedic living and how aligning with the seasonal rhythms can bring harmony to our lives.
I have a strong desire to reconnect and align with nature, our inner selves, and the seasonal transitions. Residing in a region that experiences all four seasons, I attentively observe the noticeable shifts that occur during each season. Every season ushers in fresh vitality, growth, and nourishment.
The Essence of Ayurveda
At the core of Ayurveda lies the belief that our bodies are deeply connected to nature. The doshas - Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water) - govern our physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. When these doshas are in balance, we experience good health; when they are imbalanced, we may encounter various ailments. Ayurveda aims to restore this balance through a combination of diet, lifestyle practices, and herbal remedies.
Living in Harmony with the Seasons
In Ayurveda, each season is associated with a dosha, influencing both our internal constitution and the external world. As we transition from one season to another, it's essential to adapt our routines to maintain equilibrium.
We will begin by exploring the 4 seasons and the energy/doshas that accompanies each one.
Not sure what a Dosha is? Learn more here.
Fall (Vata time of year)
As we transition into the Vata season, Fall brings about coolness, dryness, and movement. To balance excessive Vata, include warm and grounding foods such as soups, stews, and root vegetables in your meals. Creating a consistent daily schedule, engaging in mindfulness, and getting sufficient rest are beneficial in stabilizing the airy characteristics of Vata, fostering a feeling of steadiness and calmness.
GENERAL FALL TIPS
Fall is a period of change. The trees, weather, and plants are all undergoing transformations, and our bodies are affected by these changes, whether we are aware of it or not. It is essential to consume more grounding foods and engage in grounding practices during this time. Fall is the season for incorporating heavy, oily, fatty, and protein-rich foods into our diet.
Establishing consistent routines during the Fall is crucial for maintaining Vata balance. By waking up and going to bed at approximately the same time every day, you increase the likelihood of staying grounded in your body.
FALL SEASON IN GENERAL PRACTICES:
Forms of exercise - HIIT workouts can come back into your routine when the weather starts to cool down
Grounding yoga practice
Lighter strength training sessions - Pilates and Barre are great
Sleep is key to help rejuvenate during the Fall season
Have a set morning routine that you follow
Have a set evening routine that you follow
Go to bed by 10pm
An afternoon grounding practice such as a walk in nature, meditation practice, or a few yoga poses will help the afternoon fatigue that comes with the Fall season.
Winter (Vata leading into Kapha)
As winter envelops us in its cold embrace, the Kapha dosha takes prominence, bringing qualities of heaviness and stagnation. To counter the sluggishness associated with Kapha, opt for light, warm, and energizing meals. Engage in invigorating exercises like yoga or brisk walks to awaken your senses and combat the winter blues. Creating a sense of warmth and stimulation can help you navigate the cold months with vitality and vigor.
AYURVEDIC WINTER TIPS
Keep your agni high -Â Agni represents your digestive fire. During the winter, constipation may arise as your colon becomes cold and dry, similar to your skin. Therefore, it is essential to consume foods that promote regularity, such as soups, warm vegetables, warm beverages, and room temperature water. These choices assist in maintaining a high agni, reducing the level of ama (toxins) in your body. This leads to improved health, something we all strive for during the winter season.
Sip on warm tea or water throughout the day
Take a warm bathÂ
Go to bed between 9-10pm
Dress in layers
Avoid raw & cold foods
Give yourself a massage every morning
Be a homebody
Enjoy golden milk before bed - Drink golden milk an hour or so before bed. Here is a sample recipe of golden milk. This is a great calming drink before bed to help you sleep through the night.
Intensive your workouts to build heat
Spring (Kapha Time of year)
Spring is a time of renewal when life begins to return, the temperature starts to rise, and we feel a surge of energy, longing to spend time outdoors.
Spring Habits
Spend time outdoors & wear layers
Plan a new project - Spring is the ideal time to plant the intentions and strat something new.
Exercise Outside - This is a great time to venture outside as the weather is still cool.
Tune into what you want -Â Spring is the time we feel the most connected to ourselves. We have new energy and excitement. We might need to start a meditation, or journaling practice to get back in touch with what our bodies want but they are speaking to us.
Eat seasonally & locally
Summer (Pitta time of year)
The hot and intense summer months correspond to the Pitta dosha. To stay cool and balanced during this time, favor light and cooling foods like salads, fruits, and herbal teas. Embracing activities like swimming and spending time in nature can further support your well-being.
HOW DO WE INCORPORATE NUTRITION
Ayurveda emphasizes the use of contrasting elements. When the weather is hot, it's important to cool down internally. This can be achieved through food choices. In summer, opting for cooling foods like fresh garden vegetables and smoothies is beneficial.
OTHER SUMMER ROUTINES TO BE MINDFUL OF:
Workouts - Now is not the time to go for intense workouts. Easing up with yoga, walks, swimming and doing it during the cooler times of the day. Workout out in the middle of the afternoon during the hottest part of the day is not advised. That will overdue the pitta dosha which is the predominant dosha in the summer months.
Daily coconut oil self-massage - will cool you down and calm the nervous system and reduce dehydration.
Drink cool but not ice cold water.
Sleep on the right side to cool the nervous system
Essential oils for summertime - Rose, lavender, jasmine, lotus & sandalwood
Slow down - The summertime is not the time to add 50 new projects to your plate but to take it easy especially during the mid-day or afternoon slump.
The Wisdom of Ayurvedic Living
By aligning with the seasonal cycles through Ayurveda, we gain a profound understanding of our bodies and minds. This ancient practice encourages us to listen to our innate wisdom, adapt our lifestyles accordingly, and cultivate a state of equilibrium no matter the external influences. Embracing Ayurvedic living is not just a lifestyle choice but a transformative journey towards holistic well-being, where each season invites us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
Remember, the journey to holistic well-being begins with a single step. Are you ready to step into the transformative world of Ayurveda and embark on a journey towards balance and vitality? Let the wisdom of the seasons guide you on this beautiful path of self-discovery and wellness.
Love & Light,
Tal xo
*Disclaimer: This Disclaimer forms a binding agreement between you and Chantal Croucher also known as Yogatation, a Sole Proprietorship operating out of Ontario, Canada. In continuing to watch this video, read this blog and practicing yoga with me, you release me from any liability related to any injuries or issues which may arise from the risks of practicing yoga through this video. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS IN PARTICIPATING IN THIS YOGA CLASS. These videos and blogs are posted for educational and informational purposes only and are not tailored to you specifically in any way. Please ensure you are practicing in a safe space and consult a medical professional before your practice. Lastly, please note that the techniques and approaches to yoga contained in these videos are simply my teachings and I make no representations about their efficacy nor do I promise any results.
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