Align with the Season - Autumn

September 2023

The recent Fall Equinox signalled the seasonal transition to Fall, known as Vata season in Ayurveda. Vata is the embodiment of the elements of Air and Space, and is expressed as movement, expansiveness and new possibilities.

All of nature is in a constant cycle of rest and renewal. Just as nature does, we must also take time for rest and renewal. The beginning of a new season is a opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks for our abundance, celebrate the things in our lives that have come to fruition, and let what no longer serves us fall away.

As seasonal energy shifts, it is also important that we tune in to the intelligence of our bodies, honour our boundaries, notice when we are pushing ourselves to overwhelm and exhaustion, and make adjustments.

Ayurveda teaches that by aligning with the rhythms of nature we can support the body’s natural processes of digestion, detoxification and healing for balance and optimal wellbeing.

To maintain seasonal harmony during the cool and dry months of Vata season, consider these Ayurvedic practices:

• favour warm, nourishing, calorie dense, seasonal foods and beverages

• begin adding healthy oils and fats to meals

• reduce dry, cold or raw foods and icy beverages

• keep our bodies warm with layers of cosy soft clothes, scarfs, hats and sweaters

• self-massage the body daily with nourishing oils that moisturize skin and tissues (organic sesame, coconut or almond oil)

• hydrate and boost your immune system with ginger tea*

• observe and spend time in nature

• balance activity with rest and play

• cultivate awareness and reduce stress with peaceful and grounding practices like yoga, meditation and pranayama (conscious breathing)

• support emotional health with laughter, gratitude and compassion

• minimize intense physical activity and mental work at night

• aim for 7-9 hours of deep sleep