Namaste all,
As Autumn continues into Winter- although rather warm for the time of the year - the rain and the damp weather can leave folk feeling tired and drained.
Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, would say too much kapha energy (earth, damp, water) pervades. Although this energy is related to substance and strength it can when out of balance it can lead to the opposite particularly if out of balance with vata energy (wind, cold, dry) which is a driving energy. Pitta energy is related to fire and water (hot, sharp, mobile, liquid) and as with the other two, when out of balance the opposite will result. Yoga practices can help balance all doshas so that our energies are more balanced during darker nights and cold winter months.
Practices such as gentle pranayama (breathing practices such as the bee breath - bhramari) or even awareness to the breath flowing in and out steadily.
Relaxation practice to help calm and sooth and of course, asana practice that is suited to balance the whole body.
That means, in asana, moving in a steady balanced manner choosing poses that calm and centre and raise some heat in the body but not excessive.
Moving with the breath, using a gentle Ujjayi breath steadily and calmly.
Staying centered throughout using the breath as the anchor to keep the mind in the body and body sensations and listening deeply to any and all feedback from the body, breath, and spirit (heart centre) being kind always to the self and practicing without judgement or the usual narrative that accompanies any practice or indeed daily life.
Practice with patience, kindness, non judgement and with respect for your ‘temple’ (whole being) the home of the soul in yogic terms.
Listening carefully to the physical form, the breath, the mind (and its machinations without being drawn in), the gut (our nervous system but also our intuitive body) and finally the heart centre which is the centre of the chest in yoga and is our place of kindness, compassion and non judgement which we should offer always to ourselves first.
For all of our energies to flow freely we need to listen then with kindness and tend to our whole being.
Doing our best with what we have from where we are in any given moment.
That includes the food we eat at this time of the year which should always suit our constitution and of course be fresh, warming, easy to digest (to preserve energy) and made with loving kindness. That also includes the time at which we eat which should be regular and with appropriate sized servings and as best we can, eat mindfully with full attention to each mouthful but also enjoy the relish the occasional treat!
Light candles to brighten the dark days or put up some fairy lights that create a sense of warmth and comfort!
Take walks in nature, listen, be still and feel the energy of Mother Earth. Breathe, sigh, and breathe again.
Rest when you need to rest. Move when you need to move but above all, listen deeply to the voice within the heart centre! It knows you well!
Shanti Om!
Sue 🌈🙏
Your job is to love your current self and find joy in this current moment. If you're not feeling joy, do something that lifts your spirits. As long as you do the best you can with the present moment, you'll be allowing the best possible future to unfold. Anita Moorjani
This is a link to a 16 minute meditation practice read by my lovely friend and music therapist Georgina. Enjoy the movement and the meditation. Click on Georgina’s name and follow the link to a YouTube video. Enjoy!