Fall, my favorite time of year. I love breaking out my thick wool sweaters, having it get darker earlier (which makes it easier to settle down at night) and the crispness in the air. Here are 7 things I've been really loving that I think you'll enjoy as we move towards Vata season.
*And if you're wanting to improve your digestion, boost your immune system, calm your mind and shed a few lbs, email me about the SF Cleanse (starts Saturday!) and check out the Online Cleanse I'll be leading with the Doctor Blossom team. If you're looking for one-on-one support and a cleanse catered just to your schedule, you can always work with me one-on-one too. Cleansing in the spring and fall is a must for ayurvedis and can really create breakthroughs in your yoga practice & life!
#1 HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK
Almonds are the coolest nut but still grounding and gently warming, just what we need in the fall. While most folks strain their almond milk, I don't which makes it really thick and decadent. Here's my basic recipe:
1 c soaked (at least 7 hours) & strained raw organic almonds + 3 1/2 c water + 1 T maple syrup + 1/2 t organic vanilla extract ...blend until fairly smooth. I always add spices to mine (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg) but wait to add them until using it in a dish like oatmeal or just a hot mug of "milk". For extra Vata pacification and strengthening use dates instead of maple syrup. yum.
#2 TULSI ROSE TEA
Two brilliant things that make my morning sweet and warm. Tulsi, a.k.a. Holy Basil, is an amazing adaptogen that boosts the immune system, improves circulation and brings mental clarity amongst other things. I love it. It's also a little drying so if you tend to wake with a bit of mucus, go for the tulsi.
Rose is said to bring sweetness to the heart and is cool, so if you have some residual pitta from summer, it balances the warmth of the tulsi nicely.
#3 CASTOR OIL
Castor oil has many uses in Ayurveda but one of them is to break down stagnation. I've been rubbing it on an old toe injury where I have some scar tissue and it's been helping it not ache in my yoga practice (yay!). I'll also warm it and rub a very small amount on my belly in the direction of digestion if I'm feeling off. For very sensitive types, just a little rub on the belly with castor can cause a very gentle laxative effect, f.y.i. It also has wonderful uses in menstrual pain & is used as a purgative in Ayurvedic cleansing. For more on the menstrual pain, read Claudia Welch's book. To learn about it in cleansing, send me an email and I'll tell you more.
#4 SUPER SPICED & LIGHT DINNERS
Anyone else noticing that they're not especially hungry at night? While I always eat lighter dinners, lately I've been doing what's almost more of an evening fast. The majority of my dinners have been made up of well cooked very well spiced greens like kale or chard. To be more specific:
Heat up coconut oil or ghee in a pan. Add enough of your favorite spices to make a paste (like turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, ginger) then add greens. If you're using a heartier green, add a little water to be sure it's soft when done cooking and not crispy.
Crispy greens at night = morning gassiness in all honesty if you're prone to that type of digestion (vata ladies, that's you).
#5 EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE
I've always loved practicing yoga in the early mornings. I haven't always loved/ had the discipline to go to bed at a time that allows me a good night's sleep though...until now. Lately I've been making a concerted effort to be in bed by 10pm and sleepy. Now getting into bed by 10pm isn't that hard, but being sure that you're sleepy then and not buzzy brain takes more work. So lately, I've been coming home from teaching most nights and not using anything that glows (computer, tv, phone). Wow. What a difference. I find at 9:30pm I'm prying my eyelids open then roll into bed for a sweet night of slumber. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. (This is especially an invitation for all your Pitta night owls out there...)
#6 WORKING WITH A GROUP
Pitta dosha, the summertime dosha, likes to get things done, to check things off the list. Vata dosha, the winter dosha, likes to create, dream and be social. In this junction of seasons, you can find yourself a) coming up with some great fun ideas and b) putting them into action! In the last couple months, I've joined the team at Doctor Blossom, and we are launching an incredible online cleanse next month that's different from all the others out there. I can't wait! Details and sign up will be up by the start of next week. It'd be so great to have you all join us.
#7 MORE HUGS & CUDDLES
Grounding touch is so healing for Vata, so now is the time to give longer hugs to friends and family and cuddle up with your sweetie. I'm making sure I include 5-10 minutes of mindful cuddles with my (now) fiance each morning before starting my day. It really puts me in a great mood. Even if you don't have a sweetie, you can be more aware of the sweetness of hugs with friends; take an extra breath when you find yourself in an embrace! Plus, you can create the grounding sweet touch on your own; this is the time to get a routine of doing warm oil massage before showering or before bed.
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| This card is framed in my kitchen above the stove. :) |
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