7 Tips On How To Support Yourself Throughout The Seasons
Where you live and your local climate will influence you, your friends and family, animals and nature. Each of the seasons align with the lunar cycles of nature. Unlike in the West, the Ayurvedic understanding of the seasons and her transitions is much more subtle, and yet profound.
There are six seasons in Ayurveda with early winter & the rainy season being the ‘extras’ as compared to the four-season model of summer, spring, autumn and winter. Each season therefore lasts for two months, however some of the seasons will be more pronounced depending on where you live.
If you find yourself in relatively good health, then working with the seasons and your natural constitution is the best way to support your health & longevity. Seasonal knowledge and principles is called Rtucharya in sanskrit (pronounced Ree-too-char-ya). It is this knowledge and experience which has inspired my work with Art of Living Ayurveda - through education on seasonal diet, rituals, yoga, self-care practices, breath, mantra and cleanses.
Deepening your relationship and understanding of the effects of each season uniquely for you, gifts you the ability to act in response, and help yourself stay in harmony with your inner & outer rhythms
The ability to adapt is one indicator of good health. This is why as the seasons change we also need to be flexible to respond. Many of us may already adopt seasonally appropriate habits, without even being conscious of doing so, and I’ve seen this many times with my clients. For example, in summer we naturally tend towards salads and cool drinks. As the weather cools, we find ourselves more naturally drawn to hearty soups or warming curries.
Tuning into the Seasons
The seasons and her transitions teach us so much if we tune in and listen. The ancient vedic knowledge of the elements (space, air, fire, water and earth) underpins the entire elemental science of Ayurveda and the dosha theory.
The subtly of nature is that even within one season there can be unusual seasonal vagaries such as untimely rain, storms, heatwaves, etc. That’s why beginning to observe your environment from a qualitative perspective, as well as noticing the effects of these qualities on your individual constitution, is an empowering process.
By connecting and understanding the effects of the elements and the energy of each season, you can make adjustments to stay in balance and harmony - mentally, emotionally and physically.
Seasonal Transitions
These junctions of time are fantastic opportunities to re-assess and reevaluate your life, our diet, what’s working and what’s not? To consciously make changes to better support yourself and your family for the next season moving forwards. In this way, you can remain stay flexible, both in mind and body, which is at the heart of youth and vitality for longevity.
Whilst you are also more susceptible to imbalance during any time of transition such as changing job, moving and including that of the seasonal transitions, I find it helpful to remember that when we take care of our mental and emotional well-being, our mind is content - this promotes a sattvic, pure, clarity of mind which can override any negative influence from people, situation and the season.
How to Support Yourself During Transitions
Practicing anything that grounds you such as deep belly breathing or long exhalations
Anointing your body with warm oil (self-massage) before showering
Use dance, movement or yoga to keep energy or prana moving in your body
Chanting sacred mantras or even favourite songs to harmonise and uplift your energy
Cooking as a sadhana or spiritual practice - focus on warm, cooked, slightly oily and spiced foods to keep in balance
Receiving an Abhyanga or Shirodhara Ayurvedic Treatment either before, during or after your transition i.e it’s highly recommended to receive one of these treatments during the seasonal transition, however if you were planning to move, for example, a nourishing way to support yourself would be to receive one of these treatments before, or after your move
Finally, seek support from others - friends, family or your health professional