Seasonal Shifts: Falling into Fall with Grace and Poise (...and a Hint of Ayurveda)
By: Kim Rioux
As we begin to notice the changes around us as summer comes to a close and autumn approaches, you may notice certain qualities come and go into your mind and body. You are not losing it! You can thank the seasonal shifts for that! Increased dryness and roughness, along with coolness and lightness will creep in. Take advantage of daily self-care practices that will help mitigate dry skin, constipation, anxiety and worry that has a tendency of making space during the summer to fall months. Take a look at the list below to get started on your daily routine
Start introducing small amounts of warming spices into your foods, or make into a tea! (i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, ajwain – or celery seed, cumin, pippali, small amount so black pepper)
If you love making Takra (diluted whole yogurt) swap in cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall spice blend
Bring extra clothing when you leave the house, especially ear muffs, hat and scarf to make sure you stay warm
Add small amount of ghee (1 tsp) at each meal. Add into eggs, kitchari or rice and cooked vegetables
Speaking of cooked vegetables, avoid raw and uncooked foods – and enjoy hot beverages over iced drinks
Perform abhyanga (self-oil massage) with sesame oil or almond oil. Don’t skip your feet and your head. Slip on your favorite pair of socks before going to bed and wrap your head (or wear a hat) so the oil can absorb even deeper into the tissues of your body.
Most importantly - find fall activities to enjoy so that you can connect with this time of year!
One last thing: I’d like to share part of a reading that I often turn to when I need to connect with seasonal shifts. This is by Coby Kozlowski in her book One Degree Revolution:
“…We cling.
We grasp to what was and what we know.
But all we need to do is remember that the leaf is meant to fall,
To compost into the earth
And merge into winter,
For the rebirth of spring,
And flourish into summer,
Simply for autumn to begin again.”
