Fall Transition
Summer is transitioning into fall. A season of letting go. The plants, trees, and wildlife sense the subtle shift in weather and atmosphere and start their progression towards dormancy. A time to begin letting go of the past and a preparation for colder, windier, and dryer climate. Much like the life of the plants and animals preparing for winter to come, we must also make the fall transition. In Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, we learn fall has the qualities of vata dosha. These qualities include; cold, dry, light, and quick moving. Some seasonal vata changes in our body might include; constipation, dry skin, eyes, and nose, lethargy or fatigue, increase in colds and congestion, earaches, trouble concentrating, or an increase in anxiety. Are you ready to learn more about how you can adjust your body to this fall transition?
Mentally and Emotional Fall Transition
Fall transition is when I take time to consider what things I also need to release and let go of. Maybe in this time of transition I am ready to reflect on what is working and isn’t working in my life that I need to shed. With wind increasing and the air becoming dryer, I find my mental space may also be more chaotic and unfocused. To balance this as the days shorten and cooler air comes in I take in more nourishing, warm routines like tea in the evening and warm baths as a way of cleansing and experiencing the calming effect of these practices. This gives me time to step back in the quiet and reflect on the summer months.
Physical Fall Transition
As the air becomes dry and the plants also dry out and wither, so does our skin. I nourish my skin with sesame oil after my evening shower or bath with an abhyanga practice of mindful oil massage. In addition, I gargle with sesame oil in the morning. I spray rose water on my face and in my eyes to nourish the moisture in my eyes. My exercise practice might become less intense and I tend to go to bed earlier and sleep a little later. I use the neti pot much more often to cleanse the sinuses and prevent congestion and illness. I tend to eat warmer and heavier foods that nourish the change in temperature like soups and stews and lots of oils to maintain moisture in the body.
Like Increases Like
In Ayurveda, we learn that like increases like. To maintain balance in body and mind we need to bring in more qualities of earth and water during this season of transition. This will give us an opportunity to slow down and ground and also find warmth and nourishment when we feel cold, distracted, or dry. Just like the leaves fall and the grass goes dormant, we too must follow the signs of nature and adjust accordingly.
Check out on demand classes with me, upcoming events (a Fall Women’s Wellness Retreat in October) and much more here. If you are ready to make this fall transition try this meditation on Insight Timer Meditation App.
