We intrinsically know that change is in the air, our bodies intelligence
which primarily affects Kapha dosha is anticipating that Spring is almost here. Ayurveda advises that everyone should follow a seasonal routine to help maintain balance within as the seasons change. A couple of simple lifestyle shifts to your daily routine will provide you with all the support you need. Continue to eat a diet for your main dosha, while making a few minor changes to blend into the coming season and keep Kapha in balance.
Spring is governed by the elements of earth and water and the qualities of slowness, steadiness, coolness, heaviness, strength, support, and moisture. These qualities are aligned with the dosha Kapha. With an abundance of Kapha energy in Spring, it is important to recognise how to maintain balance in the mind and body. An excessive amount of Kapha within us can result in lethargy, weight gain, and a build-up of phlegm and mucus.
Spring is a transitional time of year, so assessing how you are at this time can aid in addressing any imbalances before the new season begins. Ayurveda is very much about living in harmony with your true nature, and the natural environment around you.
Arise with the sun, meditate and embrace the circadian rhythms. This supports your bodies natural rhythm as you realign with the natural cycles.
Opting for lighter, warmer foods that are easy to digest can help reduce any heaviness or lethargy and allow as much energy as possible to flow through the body at this time of renewal and rebirth.
Consume a variety of warming, invigorating spices such as cinnamon, ginger, fennel, caraway, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and small amounts of cayenne to enhance your agni or digestive fire.
Reduce your intake of dairy foods at this time of year, which may aggravate and increase Kapha dosha resulting in sinus issues and a slow metabolism.
Try to add some of these tried and tested rituals of Ayurveda into your daily routine to refresh and renew your body and mind, such as oil pulling, body brushing and abhyanga (self-massage) with a warm herbalized oil.
As you lightly detox your body and mind it may also be a good time to consider “spring cleaning” your environment too. You can refresh your living environment by opening the doors and windows for a few hours each day. Go through your home and consider what you are not using that may be taking up space and consider recycling clothes, books or furnishings that no longer bring you joy. As you detach from these items, you are making space for something new. You will feel the benefits as you notice how great it feels to live in an uncluttered space. When it is free of clutter you may even feel inspired to deep clean your home, which will help boost your mood and to find clarity in your mind.
Maybe you can create a sacred space for your daily meditation practice with all that extra space. After all that clearing and cleaning don’t forget to take some down time and on warmer days try to get outside regularly and connect with the elements and nature. Again, take time to notice the changes taking place in nature as Spring begins to awaken the plants and animals from their Winter slumber. Remember it is all about getting into the flow with the changing seasons and finding the natural balance that accompanies the rebirth of spring.
This is an ideal time to consider your own personal rebirth, it could be spiritual, physical, a new career, or a new lifestyle choice. Are there any areas in your life where you desire something to change? This is a great time to make a list of the areas in your life that you are ready to change and birth a new way of being. Write them down allowing your imagination to guide you with a gentle curiosity as you explore new ideas in all areas of your life and see where it takes you. Get playful as you explore, and even if your inner critic may look at play as ‘a waste of time,’ I assure you it is quite the opposite as it can revive youthfulness and increase your brain activity. When you stimulate creativity, you will also relieve accumulated stress.
See this as a brand-new Spring, filled with new beginnings that are just bursting with abundance and life to help you move forward towards where you want to be. There is great power in setting intentions and remember that wherever your attention goes your energy flows and those seeds will grow — so set your intentions and plant the seeds of your deepest driving desires. Decide what you want to create in your life this spring and plant the seeds that match your vision, then detach from the outcome. Fertilise your seeds with a daily meditation practice and when you see new opportunities presenting themselves, say YES, and take action by leaning in the direction of your dreams.
I am excited to share that I am collaborating with Sacred Fire for the Spring Equinox and hosting a sound healing guided journey on zoom and you are invited. Check it out
Use this time to tune deeply into yourself and enjoy this sense of awakening. It is time to come out of your winter hibernation and shine your light; no more hiding away or playing small — it is time to be, and believe in your true nature, who you really are.
"You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny."
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
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