a change in the weather
starting to feel a little like hibernating? according to the yoga practice of ayurveda (literal translation: knowledge of life) that is EXACTLY what we’re supposed to be feeling right now.
in ayurvedic science, early winter is the season of VATA…it’s cold and dry, but changeable. some days are bright and sunny, some grey and rainy. the days feel short and the nights long. and our bodies, part of the natural world, feel these shifts on a physical, energetic, and emotional level.
that doesn’t mean that we have to feel heavy, gloomy or even cold! according to ayurveda principles, we just need to do two things. in simple terms, they are:
- go with the flow.
- seek balance.
if it sounds really yoga-y, yep, it is. ayurveda is a sister science to yoga…and encompasses nutrition, and daily self-care practices to achieve optimal health and well-being.
YOGA for VATA SEASON
transitions can be rough…that’s one reason why the early days of winter call for a shift in our yoga practice: a shift toward grounding, warming practices that give our bodies, minds, and spirits a place to find comfort and peace as the world around us moves toward darker, colder days.
in our classes you’ll see more simple flow, seated postures, and forward folds. simple flow gets the body moving to build warmth. seated postures help us feel calm and steady, and forward folds draw us inward and create a sense of coziness — this is a time to use ALL the props…make postures easier to sustain and nestle yourself into them for maximum cozy.
for examples of VATA season practice, check out these podcasts: Gentle Hip Openers, Grounding Warming Flow, or Steady, Balancing Flow.
NUTRITION FOR VATA SEASON
think warm beverages, soups, and root veggies. Vata season’s main features are cold and dry air…so to balance we eat warm foods and drink lots of water.
since drinking cold water is less natural when the temperature drops, be ready with teas, hot lemon water, or even warm apple cider. (yes, coffee is warm, but for best hydration choose something decaf!)
soups and stews just feel comforting during transitional times…and they also have the benefit of warming the body (from the steam on your face to the good feeling in your belly) while increasing hydration.
root veggies make the cut because they offer vitamins and minerals that can help your body to feel grounded…and they add substance (and hydration) to help your body feel fueled and at-ease during the changing season.
SELF CARE FOR VATA SEASON
warm oil massages are where it’s at during the dry, windy months. morning or evening works for oil treatments…and you don’t have to go to the spa! just warm some sesame oil and lather up…body, hands, feet, hair. then enjoy a warm shower.
nasal rinses (neti pots, etc) with warm saline water keep the tissues of your nose well-hydrated to help you breathe better all day…and particularly during yoga practice. breathing easier = more calm in your day.
it’s dark and you’re tired…go to bed! hibernation is a real thing…it’s totally ok to be in bed before 9p. go with the flow, soak up the restfulness that’s naturally on tap. by getting more in tune with the natural world, you’ll naturally get more in tune with yourself.