HeyMonicaB

Oooo. Didja feel the breeze? Let’s give a round of applause for vata’s first appearance in 2009 (vatas really like applause)!!

<Pause so vatas can bow>

OK! Today marks the first day of fall and that means that vata moves in to govern nature for the next few months. While pitta was around for summer, we ate fresh fruits, veggies and salads. Vata however is much cooler and dryer and we must adjust accordingly! Because vata energy is dry and cold, things like salads (dry and cold) won’t balance us in this season, rather things like root vegetables, soups, and warm foods will suit us much better.

Vata is made of air + space and it’s the energy of movement. In addition, the qualities of vata are dry, cold, rough, mobile, light and subtle. A dried up leaf blowing around, upside down and flippy in the wind is a perfect example of vata.

During fall and early winter, the vata dosha has a tendency to increase in all of us because what is most inherent in nature, is also most inherent in us. So above all things, we need to pay close attention to the nature that surrounds us. We cannot keep the same habits all year round. Eating watermelon in Wisconsin during Christmas is not only tastes like junk, but it’s imbalancing. It’s cold and wet just like nature at that time, which will increase those qualities in our bodies and could give us a cold (hellooooo). In addition it’s not in season which means that it’s not natural. Going against nature is a great way to make us sick.

It’s not hard to go with nature, just LISTEN to what your body is asking for. Comfort foods are great for this time of year because it calms and soothes the windy and cold qualities. Suddenly those goopy stews, hearty soups and breads are just what we need. We don’t feel heavy, we feel nurtured like someone just wrapped our insides in a fleece blanket.

In preparation for vata season, start drinking warmer liquids now. Start laying off the salads now. Begin incorporating more oils now. Start making warm foods for dinner. Swap out the fruit for breakfast and try oatmeal. And there’s more tips too!

In doing these simple things, you will prepare the body (and mind!) for when things get windy and chilly and it won’t be such a shock to the system. Remember to eat foods that are warm, goopy and heavy (but that doesn’t mean eat a whole ton). You will probably use more chapstick, lotion or oil to lubricate dry skin – good! See, we already know how to respond to nature in many ways. Use your logic. Listen to your gut and most of all, use your BUDDHI. You will be better off listening to yourself than anyone else.

And if you get a little lost, then ask me! Cause I probably know some things you don’t :) I’m here to help you figure it all out.

And one last thing. I’d like to thank the Vatas in the room for gracing us with their beautiful, stunning, presence (vatas like drama) as we embark on the winds of change for fall! Hooraaaay!! Bravo!!!
<Pause so vatas can bow>