The landscape is dotted these days with the sudden blush of pink and white blossoms flashing out on naked tree limbs. These confetti petals seem like a poorly-chosen first attempt to re-clothe the trees - their fragile and exuberant display seems to litter the ground within minutes of the first rainstorm, which (let’s not fool … Continue reading 5 Secrets to Spring Allergy Relief

Over the last 12 months, everyone on the planet has made enormous changes to our daily routines and habitual behaviors. As someone who helps people change unhealthy habits, I know this can be HARD work… and yet, while we were looking the other way, 2020 has brought some incredible gifts in this way. Of course, … Continue reading The Upside of the Pandemic

This week, we leave 2020 behind us. We've been moving - so slowly, it seemed at times - towards this moment all year, and now it is finally here. Part of me wants to take a flying leap into the New Year, to turn emphatically to a brand new page, to set a bright shiny … Continue reading Celebrating New Year’s ~ Without the Push

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 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?