Harmony and Balance
Stay in harmony with the changing seasons.
Adapting our routine to be in harmony with the changing seasons will help to prevent some of the disorders that are common throughout the various seasons of the year - colds and flu during the fall and winter, skin rashes during the summer and allergies and congestion in early spring.
During the dry, cold, windy months choose “Air” or Vata pacifying foods that are warmer and heavier like hearty soups, stews and casseroles
During summer, when the “Fire” or Pitta elements predominate, choose foods, clothing and activities to keep you cool
During the wet, cold winter/spring favor lighter, warmer foods and spices that balance the “Earth” or Kapha element. Dress warm and dry.
Simplify your diet during times of transformation.
During times of change and transition, it is wise to pay special attention to the basics of good health: meditation/sadhana, regular exercise, sensory nourishment and emotional healing. Because strong digestion is essential to our overall well being, simplifying our diet when we are feeling distressed or overloaded can bring us back into balance.
Occasional fasting can be a powerful tool for cleansing. (We will discuss and practice this more in the next “summer” 40 Days) but you can reduce your intake of processed, canned or fried foods. Instead, favor locally grown fruits and vegetables. Eating homemade soup, broth or stew can be settling if your digestion is feeling especially sensitive. A one day liquid fast is beneficial for cleansing the body of accumulated wastes. For a day, take everything in the form of liguid: water, juice, soups. This procedure creates clarity and lightness in your mind body physiology.
Some simple and readily available cleansing aids can be taken on a daily basis to improve digestion and increase overall well being:
Sipping warm water throughout the day hydrates and cleanses bodily tissues
Ginger tea promotes detoxification
One or two tablespoons of aloe vera juice may be taken twice daily to improve digestion and enhance elimination
Lifeforce prana enhancing exercises:
Spending time in nature is deeply nourishing and rejuvenating to the body, mind and soul. Spend some time each day, connecting with the five natural elements in the world earth, air, fire, water, and space.
Walk, barefoot on earth for at least 10 minutes every day. Have your attention on your feet with the intention to absorb nourishment from the earth
Walk along natural bodies of water, allow the cooling, coherent influences of water to infuse your being
Allow the light and warmth of the sun to permeate your body. Acknowledge the energy of the sun and source of all life on earth.
Take a walk where there is abundant vegetation and deeply inhale the breath of plants
Gaze into the heavens at night let your awareness touch the stars, and the furthest reaches of the cosmos
When here at home in Monterey, spend a moment in nature in utter gratitude for the ease this place on the planet allows us to be abundant in pranic energy!
Exercise is essential for well-being
One of the most important components of a healthy balanced life is exercise. Movement is critical to physical as well as psychological well being. We are seeing a growing epidemic of obesity that is now affecting our children. Humans are more sedentary than any other time in recorded history and as a result, we suffer increased risks for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and cancer.
There are three essential components of a complete fitness program: stretching, strength, training and aerobic exercise. The M8 classes can easily provide a balanced exercise program…but recommended outdoor exercise to stimulate the cardiovascular system is recommended at least three times per week for about 20 - 30 minutes in duration and you should have some difficulty caring on a usual conversation and generate a thin layer of perspiration. Just walking up some of our hills does the trick!
Restful sleep is the foundation for mental and physical health
We go deep in sleep - check out this post to continue…
