Out with the cold, wet, dark winter and IN with Spring. At least we hope!
It’s almost impossible not to notice how nature is shifting to Spring. It seems like just overnight it is getting lighter and the blossoms are unfurling. Nature has a way of making the transition to Spring look very smooth and I wish it was that easy for us humans.
Have you noticed some changes in yourself? Lately, I have been feeling heavy, sluggish, and having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Yes, even me the Energy Queen has been wanting to hide under the covers a little bit longer. I even had to set my alarm to wake up this week.
Ayurveda, reminds us that the key to feeling amazing on a consistent basis is to be in harmony with nature. So Spring is here and it’s time for us to take her lead and step up our habits and get into rhythm.
It’s Kapha Season. Look outside, (at least on the East Coast) you will notice the earthy and watery qualities of this time of year. Kapha is a combination of earth and water elements and we have these elements in our bodies. When kapha is in balance, we feel powerful, strong, stable, our lungs and tissues and organs are well lubricated and energized. When out of balance, we can feel a lack of energy, sleepy, unmotivated and even depressed. Our mind can be foggy and dull and we may experience allergies, clogged sinuses and weight gain. Spring is the best time to do a cleanse to remove excess Kapha in our body and mind.
So what is the best way to spring back into your body, mind and spirit? Ayurveda has great habits and practices to get us on our way:
First and most important is “Kaizen”- Start by taking ‘small steps’ to gradually lighten up physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Here are some ideas for you:
EAT LIGHTER- Begin by eating an earlier and lighter dinner, add lighter foods like soups, stir fries and salads for dinner and some detoxifying herbs like turmeric and ginger to your diet. Focus on adding wholesome foods.
LIGHT YOUR FIRE or AGNI - Agni or fire is responsible for our digestion and Ayurveda reminds us that “we are what we digest.” So turn up the heat, move your body daily and preferably first thing in the morning. Get outside for a walk, jog, hike, practice yoga and so lots of sun salutations. Have fun playing sports. Whatever you do make sure you turn up the HEAT in your body.
Agni also helps us to digest information, feelings, emotions and sensory perceptions. When our Agni is strong it helps us to eliminate AMA (what is undigested) or the leftover stuff that shows up as excess fat, phlegm, congestion, weight and breakout and even mental stagnation.
Practice breathing techniques and take time to sit in silence or meditate. Add some form of devotional rituals like journaling to your routine for just a few minutes per day.
IMMERSE IN NATURE- Now is the best time to immerse yourself in nature and witness the transformation that is taking place right before your eyes. Spring is time for rebirth and committing to spending time outdoors will allow you a deep connection to your rebirthing process. March is really the New Year. Spend some time reconnecting to your intentions, amp up your creative powers and let yourself be filled with nature's light and beauty.
CHOOSE EASE- Keep it simple and slow down. What are the things that bring your energy up? Committing to simplifying your day by letting go of the endless to-do list, is a great way to calm your central nervous system and allow your mind to find a state to be calm. Ayurveda reminds us that our ability to digest information, and our emotions are as important as digesting our food. Limiting technology and practicing a diet of NO, and spending time in silence and in nature, will help to feel lighter, calmer, more energized and bring that Spring into our step.
CLEANSE - I have done a lot of cleanses and I love an Ayurvedic cleanse because it is so friendly and easy and customizable. Ayurvedic cleanses are all about simplifying life and the foods that you put into your body so it can have a break. For five to 10 days, we eat only fresh (ideally local) fruits and vegetables, fresh soups and my favorite kitchari, a curried mung bean and rice dish. Ayurvedic cleanses focus on improving and strengthening our digestive system so we can eliminate ama or ‘stuff that is undigested in our body including undigested emotions and information.
Everything is easier when done in community, so join our SPRING CLEANSE.