Summer is typically a time of expansion, movement, and vacation. Of course, this year is anything but typical. On top of the usual summer provocations, we are surrounded by a global pandemic, widespread economic insecurity, massive protests against racial and economic inequality, and a lurking apprehension about possible threats to our civil freedoms. This is … Continue reading Rest is Required
We have definitely entered summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Now that we have passed the Summer Solstice, all the qualities of pitta dosha are evident in the natural world around us: heat (obviously), sharpness (of sunlight AND tempers!), humidity, and oiliness, to name a few. When these qualities go up in the natural environment, … Continue reading 5 Solutions for Summer’s Swelter
Today, the descriptions of epidemics recorded in the ancient medical texts of Ayurveda sound like prophecy. For example, the Charaka Saṃhitā itemizes 4 primary causes of epidemics: pollution of the water, the air, and the land of a country, and disturbance to the natural seasons. When these 4 factors are present, the text explains, then … Continue reading Eye-Opening Teachings on the Causes (and Solutions) of Epidemics
In this time of global health focus and the helplessness many feel regarding the coronavirus, I've found some reflection on Ayurveda's view of immunity to be helpful. While I also find it useful to study what is currently known about this new, or newly prolific, coronavirus, I've appreciated considering an ancient perspective on the larger … Continue reading Immunity and Epidemics: Ideas to Stay Healthy
In Spring, the body naturally prepares to shake off the weight of hibernation, readying itself to lighten the load both physically and mentally. Compared to dry autumn, in spring nature starts getting wet and “mud-luscious,” to use e.e. cummings’s evocative phrase - yet simultaneously the first flowers miraculously rise up out of that heavy mud. … Continue reading The Powerful Promise of Spring Cleaning
The concept of Self Care has hit the big time. It’s on everyone’s To Do list - or rather, everyone’s “I Should Do” list - and on the cover of every women’s magazine. There are blogs devoted to it. Memes abound. While Self Care sounds nice on first blush, I’m noticing a trend - when … Continue reading Why Self Care Doesn’t Work
The dawn of a new year is always a potent time to reflect on what’s working in our lives, and to actively let go of what has served its time. What dreams are perched in your awareness, ready to jump into full-winged flight? What are you opening your inner doors to right now? What doors … Continue reading An At-Home New Year Ritual
In the weeks ahead, many of us will travel to visit loved ones during the holidays. Travel is one of the classic vata-aggravating activities, as it uproots us from our home, our typical routines, and the food we are used to. Unfortunately, this mass travel bug sends us out into the ethers exactly when vata … Continue reading What’s in Your Carry-On Bag?
Vata season is upon us again. And in case we forgot what Vata is after our long summer, it’s coming through in vivid technicolor around here! Autumn is abundant in the qualities of Vata: dry, light, rough, cold, mobile, subtle and changeable. Have you noticed the dry leaves falling, the mobile winds, and the cool … Continue reading 6 Simple Supports for Autumn Anxiety
In Ayurveda, medicine often fits the form of applying opposites. When the illness involves heat or inflammation, apply cold. When the problem is excess moisture, apply astringent or drying. When there is too much movement, it’s time to get still. Intuitive and common sensical. Life in a modern technology-driven society is, by definition, COMPLEX. There … Continue reading Cultivate Simplicity
