// AUTUMN: GATHERING and GROUNDING //
Yoga and Ayurveda are alchemical sciences that invite you into a more harmonious relationship with nature, both internally and externally. According to Ayurveda, autumn is the season when Vata the dosha that embodies the elements of air and space predominates. Vata is the aspect of NatureÕs intelligence responsible for movement, both in Nature and in our physiology. During this period between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice we can balance vata energy by grounding the body; resting more, eating warm and
nourishing foods and adhering to a regular routine.
Autumn is often an invigorating time of year and our motivation and enthusiasm to start new projects can be strong, yet if we strive for too much we are often left feeling ungrounded and anxious. During this season it is more important to tap into the urge to slow down and simplify, putting down the business and outward moving energy of the summer and allow a schedule to take root, one that will allow space and flexibility to nurture yourself and your connections with loved ones. This time of year invites us to release what is outward and direct our energy toward the root of our being for inner nourishment. Take time to differentiate between what is truly useful and what could be contributing to clutter and excess in your life.
On a physical level, holding on to things we no longer need, can affect the large intestines, one of the organs associated with Vata dosha. Later, as we move into winter, this can manifest in our lungs, one of the seats of Kapha. The health and vitality of these organs requires that we take steps to keep the lungs clear and digestion efficient. This is a wonderful time to reconsider
your diet and perhaps do a brief cleanse to ensure we are not carrying excess into the colder months ahead. It also will prepare the body to receive more nourishing, heat-producing foods required to balance the chill of winter, without causing excess build-up. Remember that relaxation and stillness are the most important medicine of all.
Autumn is the time to take stock on all three levels of being: physical, psychological and spiritual, and to refine our understanding of what is truly nourishing our well being.
In preparation for the approaching stillness of winter months ahead, it is a time for nourishing and strengthening our bodies and spirits. This is a wonderful time to develop and attend to practices and routines that cultivate inner attention. At art of movement we offer guidance based on your present concerns and the energetic needs of the
season. We invite you to join us to begin a program of well-being or to fine tune your current practice, during this fall season.
|
 |
