Ayurvedic Ode to Autumn
Autumn is the mellower season, but what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.
― Samuel Butler
As the sun tosses color about this evenings sunset, it leaves me with a wistful feeling; like listening to Nina Simone. Fall is inextricably connected with nostalgia. The coolness in the air, the rustling of leaves; it leaves us reflecting on the year we have had as we approach her end, and what we are moving towards. I’ve been finding myself picking up my guitar and old books of poetry, to help me slow down and turn inward.
Seasonal transitions, like from summer to fall, are an important time to do just that. It is a time to shed what no longer serves you. To see what we can leave behind as we enter towards a season of tending to the home and the heart.
Ayurveda considers seasonal routine a cornerstone for our health year round. The ancient texts of Charaka Samhita states that there are three primary causes of disease;
Prajnaparadha: the suppression of bodily urges and misuse of the intellect.
Asatyma-indriyartha-samyog: misuse of the senses.
Parinum: effect of the seasons.
Parinum is related to how the 5 elements of air, earth, fire, water, and ether effect the body. The change of elements in our environment, such as from hot to cold, and wet to dry, can become too much for our bodies to handle, and will allow toxins to form which begins the disease process. Once ama, or toxins, are formed they interfere with the doshas ability to remain balanced. In other words, we are more vulnerable to illness. This is also why flu season begins to occur in the fall.
All around us we can watch birds and animals take their cues from nature. So when Autumn arrives at our doorstep, it’s nature’s way of reminding us to transition. Just like vata dosha, fall is light, dry, cold, airy, rough and mobile. So to balance these qualities we apply the opposite; by staying hydrated, lubricating the skin with medicinal herbal oils, by eating unctuous foods like soups and stews (and add plenty of ghee), and by providing ourselves with a sense of stability, routine, and groundedness. A rejuvenating cleanse is also highly recommended to keep our immunity strong.
Yesterday I watched a small song bird gather twigs for a nest right outside my window. I reveled in how such a tiny bird had such great determination! I know everybody loves a quick fix, but the truth of the matter is that there are no shortcuts that lead to long lasting results. That small songbird knew this is true. You have to take the time for yourself every day. You have to prioritize your well being. Because you are worth it, and becoming sick isn't.
Every now and then I think about how much time I spend towards the practices that maintain my well being and think, wow! It’s quite a commitment. But then I look back at the years where I didn’t prioritize those things, or failed to do so. I remember years of un-ease, caffeine addiction for my low energy, mental fog, lack of vibrancy, fluctuating moods, and chronic colds at these seasonal transitions. Wherever you put your energy and attention, you will see growth in unimaginable ways. I couldn’t imagine that I could feel this level of vibrancy, and I feel like it only keeps increasing.
This so fall, my invitation to you is to slow down, in whichever way you can, even if it simply means drinking a cup of herbal tea on your porch. Let the fall sun warm your thoughts and your cheeks, and let your heart hold the mantra of “all is well, or shall be well once again.”
