Hey YOUnique Soul!
When was the last time you took a moment to train your mindfulness?
I just love how nature reminds me every day, that change is omnipresent and continuous. For weeks now, I have been observing how the leaves are slowly beginning to change color and how the air not only changes in temperature, but somehow takes on a different quality too. The energy of change can be felt more intensely in the transitional phases of the seasons. In Ayurveda, this transitional time is called Rtu Sandhi - We've said goodbye to summer (Varsha Rtu) and then welcomed fall (Śarada/Sharada Rtu) 🍂. (If you don't know what a Rtu is, you can find more information here >> Living by Ayurveda‘s Seasons | Śiśira Rtu | Late Winter | 22.12.-21.02. (b-younique.ch)
An invitation for more mindfulness
These changes on the outside automatically bring about change on the inside. What can you observe? Give yourself a moment of mindfulness this week.
Take some time to go for a nice fall walk and simply observe:
look at how colorful the leaves are
feel the wind and take a few deep breaths
feel the quality of the sun on your skin
watch the birds and listen to their song
Do you notice how much observing the outside world calms you down and somehow makes you content? This is the magical effect of nature and also the power of mindfulness - you are in the moment - in the here and now. What a gift. 😌
Now turn your focus to yourself - and observe again:
How do you feel?
What do you need right now?
How have you experienced the last few weeks?
Do you need adjustments in your life?
What qualities do you perceive in your mind? Which ones in your body?
Sit on a bench and write down your observations. Make a promise to yourself to follow up these points, with the necessary actions. Give yourself the attention you deserve and need to stay in balance.
What does Ayurveda recommend for more balance during Śarada Rtu?
As always, Ayurveda has holistic recommendations for a life in balance. During the summer, the pitta dosha 🔥 has accumulated. In this video, I briefly explain what the doshas are all about: The 3 Doshas in Ayurveda | Vata, Pitta, Kapha and how to recognize them 👀 (youtube.com).
In addition, the cooler, dry and often windy weather now causes our Vata Dosha to increase 🌬️.
As Ayurveda is always about generating balance, it is now important to control Pitta and Vata.
High Pitta, which stands for heat and transformation (thermic principle), can manifest itself in various forms: Skin irritations, heartburn, more appetite, irritability, motivation to tackle (too) many projects, etc. You might have a greater desire for spicy and acidic foods - but you should avoid these now.
The Vata Dosha (kinetic principle) is very sensitive and reacts quickly to external influences. The dry and cold quality of Vata is now triggered by the change in weather. Dry skin and hair, cold feet and hands, flatulence or other digestive problems, tension in the body and mind, inner restlessness, general nervousness and a light sleep can be signs, of how an increased Vata Dosha makes itself felt.
What you can do to balance Pitta and Vata
Nutrition: Eat regular, nourishing and warm foods that are not too spicy, sour or salty. Natural sweetness is good for both doshas - for example a porridge with apple and cinnamon for breakfast, or dates as a snack in the afternoon. Reduce alcohol and coffee and drink plenty of warm water or alkaline herbal teas instead. Nature shows us what's in season - you can trust it. How about a delicious pumpkin soup with fresh herbs for dinner?
Lifestyle: Good stress management is important for both doshas. Take plenty of breaks, treat yourself to walks in the fresh air, soothing massages, meditation, hatha or yin yoga and try to integrate routines into your everyday life that provide more structure and calm.
Ayurvedic medicinal plant tip: The Indian gooseberry, Amla (Emblica officinalis), can now support your system wonderfully, as it is ideal for Vata and Pitta. It has an anti-inflammatory and slightly cooling effect on Pitta. Moisturizes Vata and helps to balance digestion. Amla has a calming effect on the nervous system, which is beneficial for both doshas. Amla is also a Vitamin C bomb (each 100g of fresh amla fruit contains approx. 300-600mg of Vitamin C - more than in the famous lemon, which contains approx. 50mg per 100g), which our immune system will very much welcome in this sneezy autumn weather. 🤧
Rtucharya as a tool for more balance in life
Living your Balance is a luxury is not just the slogan of B-YOUnique, it is simply a fact. There is no greater luxury than being able to live a healthy and happy life. The beauty is that this luxury is accessible to all of us.
Rtucharya (rtu = season | charya = regime) - is just one of the many 'tools' that Ayurveda provides us with, to live a luxurious life in balance. Of course, one blog post is not nearly enough to fully explain this wonderful concept. However, I hope that I have been able to inspire you a little to engage more with nature, Ayurveda and, above all, with yourself. 🧡
Remember - you are YOUnique and that means that Rtucharya is ideally adapted to you and your individual constitution (Deha Prakriti) or your current imbalance (Vikriti). So if you are looking for a customized solution, I recommend that you consult an Ayurveda expert.
Now I wish you a wonderful autumn - enjoy the colors and the change YOUnique Soul.
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