Fall 2011 - Vata Time
Fall is a season of harvest, when we gather nature’s bounty in preparation for winter. After the autumn equinox, the days become shorter and cooler. In Ayurveda, this darker yin time is considered Vata time. It is a time to return to ourselves, to consider how we want to enhance our well being – mind, body, spirit.
According to Auyerveda, our constitutional make-up shifts with the changing seasons. Vata energy is present in the elements of air and space, giving it cold, light, dry, rough and moving qualities. Much like the weather in the fall. Thus this season can aggravate Vata aspects in our own bodies.
To balance Vata, we focus on a diet and lifestyle that is grounding, warming, and routine. For example warming, nourishing, and moisturizing factors offset Vata's coldness and dryness. Routine and stillness offsets its quality of movement. This yin season encourages us to pause and reflect how we want to honor the changing season. To that end, here are few tips to stay balanced in this Fall and early Winter season:
- Increase warming, nourishing foods, rich in oils and spices, such as ginger and cumin. Experiment with a warm breakfast followed by warming soups and stews and lots of warm liquids. Include these warming and grounding fruits: avocado, mango, papaya, grapes, olives, erries, coconuts, figs, melons. These vegetables are delicious and balancing: sweet potatoes, peas, beets, carrots, eggplant, squash, peppers, artichokes, green beans, yams.
- Moisturize your skin. Use a bit of warm sesame, olive or coconut oil to give yourself a self-massage.
- Begin to create a rhythm to your day, taking care to eat your meals at regular times. Try to get up and go to sleep at regular times as well. Commit to taking regular breaks at work.
- Increase stillness in your day and time to connect with yourself. Vata is aggravated by feelings of fear and insecurity so take time to look after yourself. It is also aggravated by excess movement. Anything which reduces the amount of rushing, travelling and business that defines much our lives is a worthy practice. Enjoy the gorgeous season with outdoor walks and calming yoga.
