It seems a little strange to be writing this now, as summer seems to have slipped by without really seemingly to have been here, but here we are on the first day of March, the first day of Autumn. I invite you to honour yourself this Autumn, to look after yourself.
Autumn is a time of transition. Many trees and shrubs are quietly undressing in preparation for the winter. Temperatures, which, a few weeks ago were warm, are beginning to cool and show that crispness of autumn. In Ayurveda Autumn is considered a vata season and it is believed that by making diet and lifestyle choices that align with this season and dosha we can better maintain our inter sense and equilibrium though the seasons. Autumn is a time to invite in abundance, kindheartedness, and deep nourishment through diet and lifestyle.
If we consider the Ayurvedic principle that opposites balance, vata season will be best lived if we fill it with warmth, deep nourishment, loving relationships, and a sense of stability, routine, and groundedness.
Below are a few ways you can invite these into your life this season….
Substantive, nourishing foods that are high in protein, high in fat, brought to life with warming, stimulating spices, and served hot, are perfect for this season. It’s a time to deeply nourish your body. (Check out our beautiful active corals blend by Botanistry Blends here.)
Practice a daily routine. One of the most effective ways to support vata is by establishing a consistent daily routine. Set the tone for your day by rising early, taking full advantage of the silence, stillness, and peace that are intrinsic to the early morning hours.
Massage yourself. Then, you can calm your nervous system, awaken your tissues, and ground your energy by massaging your skin. Follow this practice with a warm, relaxing shower or bath, leaving a coat of oil on the skin to absorb throughout the day.
Meditate, 10–15 minutes of meditation will further your sense of stability and wellness.
Use warming aromas. If you enjoy a little fragrance, vetiver, geranium, and citrus essential oils are very appropriate this time of year.
Dress for the season. Wear autumn colors when appropriate—reds, yellows, oranges, and whites—and wear enough clothes that you stay warm throughout the day. When you step out into the elements, cover your head and ears to protect them from the biting wind and cold.
In Autumn slow, gentle, strengthening forms of exercise are considered best. Incorporating a sense of warmth, grounding, stability, and focus into your yoga practice has a profoundly calming effect on vata and can work wonders during vata season. Gentle flows like a relaxed Sun Salutation are perfect for vata. You can also favor standing and balancing poses such as Mountain, Warrior I, Warrior II, and Tree Pose to increase stability and strength. Gentle inversions and restorative poses such as Legs Up the Wall are also very good for vata.
It’s also a great time to practice pranayama (yogic breathing exercises).
Wishing you a wonderful Autumn.