Know Your Own Season

     If you live in many regions of the Northern part of the U.S., you may notice the occasional butterfly floating dreamily in no specific direction, being taken about by the winds. My wild pollinator garden has begun to dry and brown, as the plants go to seed.....preparing. The mornings are cooler, the mist visible. The change of the season is upon us for all to see, even though the late afternoon warmth has been telling us otherwise.
     We also are effected by seasonal change. As we move from Summer-Pitta, or Fire season that accumulated heat that we may have needs to be released so that we can move into fall prepared and feeling healthy.  Ever notice Mother Nature gives us what is needed at the right time? Seasonal fruits come at the rescue , particularly apples. They aid in ridding the body of excess Pitta, add fiber to help the digestion clean house as it is to prepare for the dietary changes of the coming season. Farmers Market fare is there for the taking  with corn (cooling to Pitta,  and artistic array of squashes. If we don't rid the body of the warm,wet heat, and the cooler winds of Autumn blow, we may wind up with an unwelcome case of congestion. 
     Moving into Autumn-Air- Vata Season can be a sensory experience. Colors, scents, and experiences all around. This also can bring one out of balance. As my garden is drying, so does our body. The skin, mucous membranes begin to respond to the cooler, drier air. As the butterfly floats on the breeze appearing to have no direction, we too may get caught up in the business of the season and lose ours as well. The way to survive the seasonal change is by staying balanced with it.
     Ayurveda tells us opposites cure. Vata is light, cold, and mobile. When in balance one may be energetic and expressive. But if we do not support the seasonal changes within, the Air of Vata can become loss of focus, ( think of our friend the butterfly) dehydration and constipation from the drying out, and very often anxious without the support of routine. Rising with the sun, and retiring by 10 PM will be sure that you get adequate rest. The practice of Abyanga, or self oil massage will keep the skin moist and supple, and prevent it from drying like the leaves. Transitioning to warm and moist foods such as soups and stews as well as root vegetables with their sweetness will help ground you and make for happy digestion. Small changes go a long way, we just need to implement them to notice the big difference they make. 
       Taking a few moments daily for your own meditation and mindfulness check in will also be supportive in keeping you focused, calm, and in tune with both your inner season as well. Try the following practice
     Allow yourself to sit. Perhaps with a mug a warm  cinnamon ginger tea. Outside if possible. Close the eyes for a moment, and take in the sensory experience. Breath in and notice the breath in the abdomen, as the navel moves away from the spine and gently contracts.  Just being in the experience without changing it. Notice if your mind is racing with thoughts or it stays focused in the breath. Perhaps you can let the awareness travel out to the periphery of your body as you notice the skin-perhaps the air moving gently across it, and if it feels dry or moist. And then allow yourself to travel further to the sounds and scents around you, noticing each. Spending a moment here, and then return to yourself. Open the eyes and take in the sights and sensory experiences of the season.....and if your lucky, you may just catch a glimpse of a last butterfly floating along as a gentle and beautiful reminder that we each have our own season. 
​                                                  Brightest Blessings of the Season