September: The Great Inbetween - Part 2
Last week, I shared information about the glitch period, particularly about characteristics in nature, how you might be experiencing them based on your dosha (energetic) dominance, and a self-awareness practice to help you dive deeper into your awareness. In case you missed that message, you can read my blog post about it here!!
This week, I’d like to focus on how nature’s shifts might be landing within you and affecting you mentally, emotionally, and energetically based on your dosha (energetic) dominance.
A quick cliff notes background on Ayurveda: This ancient science is based on five elements of nature: air, ether (space/spirit), fire, water, and earth. These elements and their characteristics come together to form 3 energies (doshas) that are present in nature and within us, with one or two being more dominant than the other(s). Within us, these energies govern our entire biology, including physical characteristics, personality, physiology, digestion, and cell function.
The glitch + you! - Chapter 2
And as I mentioned last week, 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 happening very differently for you than from others in your circle, even internally.
For those of you who are vata dominant (like me): in balance, you might be feeling energetic, clear, alert, and excited for changes coming your way. Out of balance, you might be feeling heightened overwhelm, anxiety, frenetic energy, trouble sleeping and experience hitting the wall sooner than normal. We’ll be easily aggravated by fall’s characteristics, even from now!
Pitta dominant: in balance, you might be feeling determined, the boss of your to-do list, and insightful. Out of balance, you might be feeling frustrated, overheated, out of sorts, ungrounded.
Kapha dominant: in balance, you might be feeling uplifted, motivated, and excited to try new things. Out of balance, you might feel stubborn or lethargic.
So, are you wondering what to do with all of this info?
First - understand there is an ELEMENTAL reason for how you are feeling and most importantly: there’s nothing wrong with you! Second, use it for support!
How: use this Ayurvedic principle as your guide: like increases like and opposites balance. (Read on for tips on implementing it!)
THIS WEEK’S PRACTICE
Feeling great is important, as is taking advantage of feeling energetic, determined, or motivated. But overexerting, pushing yourself too far or not taking enough breaks can cause an overaccumulation of that energy and create issues. So, it’s important to include some opposite energy/activity for balance, such as: breaks, rest, leisurely activities, and small routines.
TAKING THE PRACTICE FURTHER:
Within the Wholistic Self-Care Collective this month, I posed a set of questions to the members and the answers will be paramount in properly supporting themselves through the glitch and well into the fall season. I thought I’d share them with you as well:
How do you want to experience the fall?
What energy do you want to take advantage of and where do you need to make shifts for better balance?
Where do you need support?
It’s also important to consider: How do you typically experience fall?
In looking back, do you see a particular pattern happening every fall that doesn’t work for you? If yes, that’s because the reality is:
Moving at breakneck speed is not sustainable
More more more only leads to more overwhelm and burnout. And overwhelm and burnout are not ok.
Jam-packing your schedule without breaks will only further overwhelm you.
Doing something out of obligation leads to guilt and shame when you don't "achieve" or fall short, and with this method, YOU WILL FALL SHORT. (It’s not for a lack of trying, I promise you.)
There is another way to live your life in the fall, one that is steady, with room for grounding, uplifting, and achieving that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted, lethargic, or frustrated.
You just might not have learned it yet.
Or maybe you know what to do but it hasn’t come together and clicked yet. Or maybe it’s that you haven’t had me in your corner to walk beside you on your journey! No matter the reason, I’ve got you.
You might be unaccustomed to asking for support or guidance within your daily practices. I see that all of the time in the Collective. It could be due to a bunch of reasons including antiquated beliefs that you should know how to properly take care of yourself OR that you should be able to figure it out on your own OR that if you just try hard enough, you’ll make it happen. I totally get that! They’re so common.
The thing is - you’re busy and have a lot on your plate. You might feel strapped for time and energy to figure it all out. That’s where I come in - to clear things up and help you create sustainable strategies for practices that fit with your schedule and needs as is.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working with each Collective member on their individual needs and objectives as they navigate the glitch for a smooth transition into the first days of fall. After working with each of them on a Customized Well-Being Starter Plan, I have the foundational information necessary to make personalized suggestions based on their dosha dominance and current imbalance. It’s going to be so fun! If you want in on a Customized Well-Being Starter Plan (plus a month of the Wholistic Self-Care Collective), email me and I’ll get you set up with a free alignment call so we can touch base and get the ball rolling!!
And be sure to join me THIS SUNDAY, September 18th as we dive head first into our conversation about seasonal support in the Ayurveda Self-Care Practices for Fall Well-Being Masterclass!
It’s going to be a rich conversation about all the ways you can support your health with aligned practices this season, including:
LIVING IN TUNE WITH NATURE and honoring the natural rhythms of the day as you create your own rhythm to soothe your nervous system and promote peace.
EATING FOR THE SEASON* and choosing foods and preparation to support your nervous system, nourishment, digestion, mental status, emotional capacity, physical energy, and energetic vibe.
* I understand a conversation about eating can be very uncomfortable and you may be dealing with some difficult emotions or working through some challenging situations. I feel it is necessary to share, with the hopes of putting you at ease, that Ayurveda does not offer diet plans or promote restriction or strict elimination of foods but rather supports an intuitive approach to food choices that balances the qualities of the season, aligns with your nature, and is guided by your needs. Please reach out to further discuss any concerns you have about this part of the conversation.
STRENGTHENING DIGESTION so the inner layers of your being can take in what it needs, rejuvenate, and eliminate what’s not serving you. We’re talking food, experiences, AND emotions!
EXERCISE - Adjusting your focus, speed of movement, overall-intensity, and exercise choices is beneficial for remaining in balance with the energy of the season.
TAKING IT EASY - THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE - and good thing there are tons of options to choose from!
YOGA - Spiritual practices including asana, breathwork, meditation, and self-study for connecting deeply to yourself, heightening your awareness, grounding & harnessing the ever-changing airy fall energy
ABUNDANT & RESTFUL SLEEP - this one is last on the list for a reason. Believe it or not, the quality of your zzz’s is directly related to and deeply impacted by the aforementioned principles!
Making lifestyle choices that will balance the characteristics of nature’s changes to protect your well-being against seasonally-induced imbalances and further dis-ease are key.
Take good care, friend.
