Autumn Energies
By Jennifer Kelleher
On September 22, we officially turned the corner into autumn. I thought it’d be fun to use this week’s column to get in the mood of the season by exploring this time of year through the lens of Ayurveda– India’s ancient holistic medicine system.
Autumn is about letting go– the degeneration, or ending, of things. As we close up the extroverted half of the year, we move into a time of introspection, reflection, assimilation, and clearance of all that we have lived this past spring and summer.
We watch as the lush, green landscape transforms into one that inspires ghost stories. The thick roof of leaves that once was grows sparser each day, so when we look up, we connect with the sky – all of a sudden, the ether element is more noticeable. It is said that the veil between visible and invisible worlds is thinnest at the end of October, and we see this reflected in cultural celebrations around the globe, like Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos.
As the winds pick up outside, we are called indoors around the warmth of the fireplace. There is a yearning for home and a beckoning for families to come together. The same is also happening in our own bodies, as blood is drawn from the limbs into the core to keep internal organs nourished and well-functioning. Wearing extra layers and getting some extra rest can help to keep you healthy through this transitional time of year.
The dryness we are beginning to notice in our environment is also happening in our bodies. How we each experience this depends on our individual constitution. In general, you may want to consider eating warm, cooked foods instead of cold, raw ones, and incorporating some good quality oils into your diet. It is advisable to keep a consistent, balanced schedule for both your meals and sleep. If you suffer from insomnia during this time of year, swap caffeinated drinks for warm herbal teas, make sure you are getting some daily exercise, and use appropriate breath work, meditation, or yoga to stay grounded. Also, try to be in bed no later than 10 p.m. and do your best to avoid blue light from screens for at least the hour before bed. Supportive routines can help you feel calm and stable.
With all of the change in the air, it is best to keep things simple and structured. I invite you to take some time mapping out your routine for fall. Think about your weekdays and your weekends. When will you have your meals and snacks, and what will they consist of? (Ayurveda recommends warm, oily comfort foods to build immunity and prepare for the colder months ahead, sweet foods to stay nourished and grounded, and salty foods for moisturization and hydration.) What type of physical exercise will you do and when? What practices will you incorporate for your mental health? Where will they fit into your schedule? What will you do to fill your social cup? (While autumn invites you inward, it is still important to spend time with loved ones.) How will you keep your environment cozy and nice? Do you have an intention or a guiding word for fall?
I invite you to come join us in our cozy, sacred yoga studio space for daily classes and special workshops. Sign up at oceanblissyoga.net. Call or text me at 917-318-1168 with any questions. October’s workshop schedule will be posted on our website within the next couple of days!
