YOGA FOR FALL REVISITED 2023 

Taming the Winds of Vata

Autumn –  the year’s last loveliest smile ~ William Cullen Bryant

A vivid autumn day cultivates heartfelt joy. Take today for example:

Driving on back road under a parasol of red and gold shimmering  leaves dancing above. Then strolling as leaves crunch under foot, inhaling air with hints of fresh musk, citrus, and woody spice.

Walking past a stream, the refection of trees in pearl, rose, and silver glisten under crimson skies. The magic light of amber dusk comes early. Suddenly the sunset becomes a light show of radiant colors reflecting in the clouds – like ruby jewels and lanterns of scarlet and indigo streaming down. Then colors fade to saffron and tangerine as the sun descends behind the magenta hills. The air chills, leaves rustle, whispering that winter is on its way.  Nothing will beat some hot cider right now. 

When I returned home I was struck by the disparity between nature’s beauty and the suffering in the world. Another mass shooting on the news.!

Yet autumn reminds us that it is the time to reset, rest and restore. The leaves fall as we let go of our old beliefs and unnecessary clinging.  A yoga practice will not solve what ails the world. However, it may guide us on a soothing and yet energetic path, especially during this season and these times, so that we may begin again. We start anew and do what we can to send blessings of love and hope to our world. 

With that all said, I would like to share with you a brief review of some  holistic tips for the season as follows: I invite you to consider doing the four day gentle cleanse for mind, body and spirit that is mentioned in this review.              

Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga. It is a comprehensive system that focuses on ones physical, emotional and spiritual health. According to Ayurveda medicine, the world is made up of five elements: space, water, earth, fire and air.  A combination of each element results in three qualities or doshas. The doshas are: vata, kappa, and pitta. We all have a unique combination of these doshas with one standing out perhaps more than the others.  A discussion of each doshas can be found elsewhere.

The Ayurvedic approach is that there are 3 seasons and each season is represented by a dosha. The vata season is in the fall and winter in the northern hemisphere when it is windy, cold and dry. I will focus on the dosha of vata and how it relates to this season.  

Ayurveda teaches us that we are meant to live in connection to nature and not in isolation from the natural world. Our bodies are influenced by everything around us including the various seasons and the changes occurring in them. 

Vata dosha is the mind-body element associated with air and space. It is light, cool and dry in nature. In the Ayurvedic system it is said to influence blood flow, elimination, breathing, and the movement of thoughts in your mind. 

Vata season qualities include roughness, dryness in the air, and colder temperatures. These environmental factors influence the human system by increasing the same qualities in our bodies and minds. The onset of fall and winter may then trigger imbalances such as allergies, colds, fatigue and digestive issues. 

There are many ways to avoid vata imbalances during the fall and winter and boost our immune system. Here are some suggestions.

• Food: – It is best to minimize dry and light foods and opt for moist and hearty choices. Enjoy the recently harvested root vegetables and enjoy them in stews and soups.  For example enjoy pumpkins, parsnips, leeks and sweet potatoes. Start your day with a cup of hot water and lemon to stimulate digestive fire. Spices such as turmeric, ginger, fennel, cumin, and mustard seeds as well as fermented foods will enhance digestion. Eat slowly and chew your food completely.  
• Consistency – Temperatures during the season can be erratic which keeps us off balance. It is especially helpful in the fall to stick to a regular bedtime, waking time, exercise and meal time.
• Rest and Reset – Take your time so that you feel more grounded  now that air and space are the prominent elements. When you slow down you are more open to appreciate and take in the vibrant color changes as you enjoy nature strolls. Choose yoga and meditation practices that are  soothing and rebalancing. 
• Consider a fall cleanse to rejuvenate.

I would like to suggest a simple, rejuvenating 4 day Ayurvedic cleanse that is covered in depth in a yoga journal article: updated Sept 2, 2021. It is a totally comprehensive and safe practice to prepare you for the busy holiday season that will soon follow. 

The practices are suggested by Larissa Hall Carlson, E-RYT, a yoga teacher and dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. 

Here is a very brief sample but the practices described are really worth undertaking. I plan to do it. 

• Mindfully eating easily digestible foods, such as steamed vegetables and quinoa or kitchari. Avoid stimulants. Drinking cleansing teas such as ginger or tulsi.  Savor the flavor and texture of your food. 
• Self care rituals such as warm oil self massage or exfoliating massage. Use a neti pot. Journal. Read poetry. Unplug. 
• Yoga sequences to stoke digestive fire These includes plenty of hip openers and abdominal work. Keep the breath deep and rhythmic. Suggested poses include variations of sun salutations followed by reclining twists, reclining hero pose variations, dolphin pose and a child’s pose variation.
• Channel clearing breath work such as alternate nostril breathing.
•  Daily nature walks
• Seated meditation practices using the mantra, “so hum”. The mantra means,”I am that”. Silently repeat “so” on the inhale and “hum” on the exhale. Then notice the greater clarity and spaciousness in your mind. 

“Autumn dresses up in gold; the richest season of the soul” ~
Angie Weiland Crosby 

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References: 

https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/health/ayurveda/practices/rejuvenate-4-day-ayurvedic-fall-cleanse/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vata-dosha-pitta-dosha-kapha-dosha