2022

Let’s move!
Join me on the beach

Here is a 5-minute slow sun salutation practice recorded on my favourite spot on the beach last February. That light is amazing and makes me look forward to our summer practices! Hope you enjoy

In my recent workshops lots of you have been asking about Ayurveda and what this can teach us for wellbeing. I thought I’d share some ideas with you here. In the philosophy of Ayurveda, we each have our own constitution of 3 doshas expressing unique blends of physical, emotional and mental characteristics. The 3 doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha are derived from the five elements – space, air, fire, water, and earth. Knowing your own body-mind constitution is key to understanding how to find and maintain good health.

Keeping in balance in January

Autumn and early winter is the season of Vata which is derived from the elements Space and Air. When Vata is in balance this is an energetic, creative, flexible force. When out of balance (or too much) this can lead to feeling anxious, unsettled, having poor sleep (vivid dreams) and feeling overwhelmed e.g not being able to apply yourself to tasks. Sound familiar?!

A few Ayurveda ideas for you to ground and pacify your Vata dosha, become more present and focused, and stay in balance:

★ Get an earlier night – as it is darker earlier, use that energy to rest your body and prepare for the next day.

★ Create a morning routine – Vata dosha responds well to a grounding, consistent routine. Try starting your day with a grounding practice, some gentle yoga or a breathing practice.

★ Use a body oil instead of moisturiser – choose a calming and warming oil such as almond oil and massage into the skin to help increase circulation.

★ Rest and stillness – it’s OK to do less! Winter is a good time to slow down and reflect. Be careful you are taking time to do this and listen to what your body is asking you for.

Keeping in balance in February

According to Ayurveda, a key aspect of keeping ourselves healthy and balanced through each season is by paying attention to our diet and making careful adjustments to accommodate for the changes brought about by the season. We can achieve and maintain a vibrant state of health by identifying our individual mind-body constitution and creating a lifestyle that supports our unique nature. We each have our own combination of the three doshas:

Vata – The Creative – Space+Air: Energetic, creative, flexible

Pitta – The Leader – Fire+Water: Precise, sharp-witted, direct

Kapha – The Nurturer – Water+Earth: Loyal, patient, supportive

Our bodies work synergistically with our external environment.

Each season has a variation in dosha predominance and so we need to make changes to our daily routines and diets to bring ourselves back into balance. We follow the same laws that nature follows and so as the seasons change, our bodies’ requirements do too. This means we can combat the unsettled feelings that can occur in Autumn/early winter with too much Vata, and the sluggishness that  occurs in mid-late winter where there is an excess of Kapha, and the overheated ‘hot headedness’ and irritability that can occur in high summer if we have too much Pitta.

If you are interested in these ideas a great book I’d recommend is:

Ayurveda: The science of self-healing. A practical guide

Dr. Vasant Lad

Winer dosha variation

When we first transition into winter our bodies require us to reduce stress, sleep early, spend time alone, practice deep breathing to clear the lungs and ward off colds. We benefit from hot baths and wrapping up when outside in the elements. Throughout winter our bodies require more movement. This can be engaging in an activity for elevating our heart rate each day and keeping the blood flow moving, even if it’s only for 20 minutes such as a few steady sun salutations or a walk in nature.

Ayurvedic tips for early-mid winter

To embrace the beauty and fire (agni) that is cultivated and available during the colder months the body needs more oily fats and heavy warm, bitter and pungent foods in our diets.

• Wholesome, and dense soups and stews and plenty of vegetables, pulses and grains
• Be mindful of regular routine with eating and not skipping meals
• Hot teas, broths and soups, fluids and oils for hydration
• Drink room temperature or warm water (absolutely no ice in your water!)
• Cook your vegetables rather than opt for cold salads
• Avoid sugar and snack cravings with goof hydration and large satisfying meals

Through the cold month of February remember to get outside in nature – making sure to cover areas of your body exposed to the elements such as your neck and head.

I interpret these Ayurvedic guidelines as good practice to get outside for a windy beach stomp followed by hot soup or veggie roast afterwards. Enjoy!

Moving your body can be the best way to become unstuck and free up some energy. Here is a 5-minute movement practice I recorded on the beach last February (brrr!)

If, like me, you spend long days in front of a computer and struggle to remember to move try this!

This is a short and gentle sequence for encouraging some upper body movement with stretches to open across the chest, shoulders, upper back and tune into body and breath. Gentle twists are a great cleansing and detoxing movement (great for this time of year!)

Tip: As you breathe in really expand the belly, lengthen the spine and as you exhale you’ll get a gentle massage of the internal organs which encourages good liver functioning, an active digestive system and healthy blood flow to the vital organs leaving you ready to start the day with flowing energy!