Two of the best practices for staying grounding this winter
In Ayurvedic medicine the rhythms of nature provide insight into healing and self-care practices through the principle, "Like increases like and opposites bring balance." When we align with nature, we experience more harmony and balance in our lives. Late fall and winter are the vata seasons, which means the elements of wind and space predominate. These two elements, when balanced, provide the space for introspection and the mobility needed to make sustainable changes in our lives. When vata is stabilized by the earth element, winter provides the perfect opportunity to turn inward and expand our connection to our truest selves. Winter self-care should include grounding practices that invite time to rest and restore. When we pause, we give ourselves space to filter out illusion and remember our inner truth.
During the vata time of year it is so important to practice intentionally grounding. Too much wind and space can be destabilizing to the nervous system. When this happens, we can feel spacey, anxious, restless, scattered, unfocused, exhausted, and burnt out. This can also lead to physical and emotional pain, dry skin and hair, constipation, gas, bloating, and cracking joints. These symptoms of vata imbalance are easily provoked in our modern, busy lives when our days are filled with moving from one thing to the next without taking time to pause.
Ayurveda teaches that we can find balance by making choices that promote qualities opposite to the areas of imbalance. If we have too much of the wind and space elements, we can balance their dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, and mobile qualities with foods and self-care practices that are warming, grounding, solid, smooth, and stable.
One of my favorite practices for this season is YOGA NIDRA (yogic rest). Yoga nidra is an ancient practice of guided relaxation. It is deeply soothing to the nervous system and promotes a relaxation response. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University, says that yoga nidra is the best practice for relaxation and stress management. It also improves sleep, helps to manage pain, and reduces depression and anxiety.
My other favorite practice for fall and winter is ABHYANGA, which is an oil-based self-massage. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it is associated with the wind element, so when we massage the skin, it helps to stabilize vata. The Sanskrit word for oil is sneha, which is also translated to mean love. Adding oil to the body is a practice that nourishes the deepest tissues, calms the mind, reduces pain, and is an expression of love.
I'm leading a special practice on Sunday, December 10th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm that will combine abhyanga and yoga nidra for the ultimate destress combo that will leave you feeling more grounded and settled. I hope you can join me.
With love,
Rachel
