Invite the transition with Ritacharya– seasonal routines
Everything changes. When the outside natural world changes so does within.
We have found ourselves in the midst of the seasonal changes once again and every year it shocks me. The warm sunny days of summer have shifted to the crisp windy days of fall. In my mind I love this transition. I romanticize it. Embracing the layering of clothing and warmer foods. Bonfires on cool nights.
However, my body says something else. My skin is dryer, my bones cannot tolerate the wind and cold, and my nervous system senses the anxious feelings arising. One of the most important characteristics of Ayurveda, is the relationship it has with the wisdom of nature and it’s cycles.
Ayurveda teaches us that our bodies do not exist in exception to the natural world. They are,
instead, a part of it, integrated with it, and dependent on it for our health and well-being.
Modern day conveniences numb us, and thus we forgot that we too belong to the seasonal
changes.
Ritucharya is the routines to help us know what to do in these times of transitions. “ritu”
translating to “season”, and “charya” translating to “routine”.
Right now we are entering into the Vata season. The time for soothing and pacifying elemental
energy that is cold, dry, light, and windy.
Ayurveda teaches us that the opposite qualities bring the dosha back into balance. These
remedies bring in warm, moist, heavy, moist, and stable qualities to balance Vata:
• Drink all warm liquids– start the day with warm lemon water to flush liver and activate
metabolism
• Abhyanga: Warm oils used on entire body keeps your skin hydrated and nourished in the
harsh winter months
• Eat warm, cooked foods that are naturally sweet, sour, and salty in taste
• Avoid excessive eating – our digestive fire is not at it’s strongest and we want to avoid
taxing it
• Use warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and cumin in
your daily diet
• Stay warm and out of the wind – layers are your best friend
• The days are getting shorter – try to resist taking daytime naps
• If doing a cleanse or rejuvenation try to finish by late autumn when the energy shifts
again to deep winter
The Acharyas tells us that by simply following appropriate dinacharya (daily cleansing routine)
and Ritucharya routines, we can avert about 85% of all diseases! This is incredible to think
about. All the time and money we spend on disease management can be reduced by reconnecting
to the seasons and to our natural order within.
“Each day, each season, each cycle offers something of beauty. Let us notice and give thanks.”
– Diane Marichild
May these words support us on our healing journey together.
