Taking Care of Yourself During the Vata Season 

Summer is behind us and we are now moving into the fall season. In Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga or science of life), fall is known as the vata season, when air and space combine and increase movement in our external environment, we see more wind these days, our skin might be a bit dryer, as well as the leaves, drying and falling from the trees. This season tends to leave us a little scattered, unbalanced and can lead to anxiety. This transition from summer to fall often seems to come on quickly. The temperature is cooler, the days are shorter and suddenly were looking for our wool sweaters because now it’s fall. During these shorter vata days, it is important to nourish and take care of yourself properly.

Here are a few tips that can help you move through the vata season smoothly:  

Food: During the fall and vata season, we are moving away from the cooler meals that we focused on over the summer and looking for more nourishing, filling meals. Things like whole food casseroles, hearty soups and baked veggies. And of course, splurge on pumpkin spice everything! One of my favorites of the season is the Pumpkin Bread mix from Trader Joe’s. It’s easy and you can make muffins or bread, add in dried fruit, nuts or chocolate chips for a treat.

Keep Moving:  The best advice for daily activity is to check in and ask yourself “does my physical movement/practice make me feel more grounded?” If not, skip it. Maybe this is the season to investigate more nourishing and slower paced yoga classes, slow down your running schedule or start swimming to take some of the pressure off your joints. In the end, make sure whatever you do helps you to stay grounded and connect with yourself. Remember, that every little bit of movement helps, parking a few steps further from the grocery store or setting reminders to do some chair yoga at your desk will give you a nice little boost in your day.

Lifestyle: The fall season also brings a lot of transitions, not just the changing temperatures, but family schedules and activities tend to ramp up during this time of year. Therefore, creating and sticking to a schedule is important to keep that vata energy in balance. While you are adding things to the schedule plan in some self-care time and some connection time with your partner or loved ones.

Vata season also allows for creativity, spontaneity and lightness. This is the time to dive into your creative endeavors, enjoy time connecting with friends and immerse yourself in the changing seasons. Get outdoors, play in a pile of leaves or take a hike in the woods and enjoy the transition of nature.

 

LOVE & KINDNESS … 

This week in class I wanted to focus on the theme love and kindness.

I recited the following chant: LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU, the meaning of this chant is simply, “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

When life gets difficult and challenges arise, keep this mantra in mind and try to connect with what brings happiness and joy to yourself and others.

 

FALL RECIPE: Slow Cooked Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes from PopSugar 

During these busy fall days, throwing a bunch of ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and letting it cook all day is one of the best ways to get a fast and healthy dinner on the table. Not to mention all the spices will make your house smell amazing!

Click here to check out this easy, healthy and delicious recipe.

 

It’s not too late to join the September Sunrise Yoga Series. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 6:30 am at the Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard. For an hour we will focus on nourishing and energizing our bodies to get ready for the day ahead. Click here to sign up online. $100 for the unlimited month or $15 to drop in.