September: The Great Inbetween - Part 1
The glitch is here!
We are two weeks away from the official start of fall, which begins the glitch period. During this time, it's really important to become aware of the changes happening and mindfully choose actions and practices that provide balance and support so you remain healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Depending on where you live in the northern hemisphere, you might already be noticing subtle shifts in nature. Fall’s vata energy, dominated by the air and ether elements, brings us cool, light, dry, rough, hard, mobile, unpredictable, transformative and expansion qualities.
We are definitely beginning to see some changes here in NJ:
Sunrise is later - When Q opened his eyes for the first day of school, he immediately said “why is it so dark outside?!”.
Cooling temperatures: In NJ the lows are in the 60’s and yesterday and today, the high is in the low 70’s.
Variable temperatures: …but we’ll be back to 80 degrees tomorrow for the next week and a half.
There’s a bit of a breeze today
Leaves are already starting to change color!
Matt brought home a pumpkin spice muffin he was given at work yesterday. (couldn’t resist including that one!)
The glitch + you!
Depending on your dosha dominance - which energies, elements, and characteristics predominantly govern your being - (plus any imbalances you’re currently experiencing), the glitch could be starting very differently for you than from others in your circle.
For those of you who are vata dominant (like me): You might be feeling ok so far, embracing the changes happening but may find yourself making your light sweatshirts and sweaters in easy reach and steeping an extra cup of tea these days. (I’m currently writing to you while sitting next to a window that’s slightly open, wearing a light hoodie and slippers and sipping on a cup of tea!) Also notice if the changing weather ever has you feeling ungrounded or developing a cough - a typical sign of imbalance for vata this time of year.
Pitta dominant: you may be enjoying the cooling temperatures and feeling determined without being oppressed by the all-day high summer temperatures. But also notice if you’re feeling a bit out of sorts in some areas of life, which is a typical sign of imbalance for pitta in the fall.
Kapha dominant: you might be feeling steady and unfazed by the small changes happening in nature. Just be sure to keep yourself warm and covered in the breeze so you don’t risk an imbalance due to being cold.
This week’s practice:
I encourage you to build/dive into your practice of awareness and when you notice the presence of fall characteristics:
Pause
Physically ground into the moment with any of these actions: pressing your feet firmly into the ground/earth, placing a hand on your body, slowly exhaling,
Acknowledge: speak what you’re noticing out loud
Be in the awareness: admire/witness the characteristics/event
Notice how it lands within you.
Not sure of your dosha dominance or what energies are at play within you? Interested in learning more practices for your individual self so you can remain in good health this fall? Let’s work together in a Customized Well-Being Starter Plan. You’ll learn your natural energetic state, strategies for bringing your imbalances back into harmony, practices for establishing ease and ongoing wellness throughout your entire being, and adjustments for maintaining balance in the fall!
And JUST IN CASE you’re all in for learning more about seasonal shifts to support your well-being this fall but you’re not quite ready to commit to working 1:1 or in an ongoing membership, join me Sunday, September 18th for the Ayurveda Self-Care Practices for Fall Well-Being Masterclass.
We’ll explore supporting your Fall well-being through these Ayurvedic principles:
LIVING IN TUNE WITH NATURE
EATING FOR THE SEASON
STRENGTHENING DIGESTION
EXERCISE
TAKE IT EASY
YOGA
ABUNDANT & RESTFUL SLEEP
I know it’s hard to imagine how you could do all of this if you’re feeling like there’s not usually enough space and time or energy in the fall.
I NEED TO TELL YOU: it is NOT about doing more. It’s about understanding the qualities of the season, identifying how YOU experience the season, and leaning into what balances it all.
So really, it’s about SMALL SHIFTS that are realistic FOR YOU and sustainable within the confines of your schedule and responsibilities.
It’s about doing things A LITTLE differently so you can stay healthy mentally, emotionally, physically, and energetically.
STAY GROUNDED, NOURISHED, WARM FROM THE INSIDE, AND RESOURCED THROUGH THE VARIABLE NATURE OF FALL.
Take good care, friend.
