Change is in the air

Change is in the air, yes indeed!! The weather is slowly shifting, everyone is starting their new routines going back to school, people are going from vacation mode to work mode, and then soon enough before you even realize it: jingle jangle, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!! Whew, that happened fast!

I’ve noticed in others, as well as myself this resistance within me to this change, especially the weather change. I’ll admit this summer was HOT and sometimes unbearable, but I thrive in the heat. Those of you that know me, know that I really despise the cold. Sure you get to wear cute sweaters and have nice indoor gatherings with people you love, and eat warm yummy food… I know, its got its perks! But When it gets dark and cold, and my bones start to ache, I feel anxious and depressed. And with all the holidays and pressures to buy buy buy! This can become overwhelming, which can eventually shut down and exhaust our nervous system. I’m sure some of you know what I mean, right?!

Our culture and society, unfortunately doesn’t offer us many answers to coping with these changes and transitions of the seasons. Thank goodness to all the information out there now from other cultures and traditions of healing medicine that provide the necessary tools to staying balanced and healthy!

*According to Ayurveda, we are entering the season on Vata, which is primarily dominated by the air and ether quality. The qualities of these elements and of the season, are light, dry, rough, mobile, and cold. You’ll start to notice in your physical body that your skin and hair are dryer, some of you may even notice a shift in digestion. In the mind, many of you may feel more spacey, and not as grounded.

So I wanted to give everyone some basic tools that will help you to transition with more ease and softness during these changing times! You’ll notice that some are very natural to you already! Enjoy!

Here are some basic tips:

*Stay Warm, and expose yourself to less cold and wind!

*Daily body massage with warm sesame oil. Keeps circulation going and brings warmth to body and heart!

*Make sure you get enough sunlight. Naturally as we are exposed to less sunlight, seratonin levels go down and we may naturally experience more sadness. Also studies are showing that low levels of Vit D are the cause of many chronic diseases. If you are not getting enough Vit D and sunlight, you might consider taking supplements.

*Eat Vata pacifying foods. Placing more of an emphasis on the tastes sweet, salty, and sour. Root veggies are warming, and grains are also warming and grounding.

*Eat warm foods. When it is cold out, it is important to nourish the body with warmness. The warmth will make you feel more grounded and stable. *Visualize yourself running errands all day in the cold, and then coming home and eating a warm bowl of soup and veggies with ghee and warm seasoning. How does that make you feel? Now visualize yourself running errands and shopping around in the cold, and coming home to eat a cold, raw, veggie salad? How do you feel?

*Drink warming teas such as ginger, cinnamon, and chai! These will also help with digestion and building agni.

* Do activities that create stability in mind and body. Whether that’s Yoga, meditating, walking, reading a book, breathing. Focus your attention on what you are doing and be fully present in those actions. This will help you to stay calm and focused longer in all your other endeavors!

Enjoy!!
Jennyogini