Spring Equinox 2016

SPRING EQUINOX – MARCH 2016

Ahhh, the days grow longer and the breezes blow warmer; spring has sprung, time to celebrate!  The Vernal or more commonly “Spring” Equinox is right around the corner.  What is this phenomena? Well, to keep things short: “Equinox” is derived from Latin meaning “equal night” and every year on either March 19th, 20th, or 21st, there is roughly equal daylight as it is night time. This year, the Spring Equinox falls on Sunday, March 20th at 12:30am. Click Here for information.

During this “new-life” stage of the year, we may find ourselves going through welcomed and un-welcomed changes.

Great news!! Ayurveda, “Ayur” meaning “life” and “Veda” meaning “knowledge”, so, the study of life; also known as the “Sister Science of Yoga” can help us out with these changes!  You may know, Ayurveda has been around for over 5,000 years and honors “The Five Great Elements” or Pancha Maha Bhutas; Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space (Ether).  Our bodies are all made of unique combinations of each of these elements, creating what we call “Dosha’s,” Vata, Pitta, and Kapha”  Our bodies are consistently changing, as are these elements; a common saying in Ayurveda is “Like attracts like, when out of balance, do the opposite!”  So, what does this have to do with Spring? Where typically we think of four seasons throughout the year, Ayurveda uses the three Dosha’s.  Winter is primarily constituted by Vata (air and ether) and Spring is Kapha (earth and water) Season and towards Pitta (fire and water). As we move from the hibernation period of frozen earth, frigid winds, and shorter days to the days of re-birth, longer days, April showers, and May flowers, etc. we may find our bodies and minds going through transitions as well!  To learn more on Ayurveda, join us in September with Katie Silcox 

Some changes you may notice mentally or physically:

-Colds/Sinus infections

-Excess Weight

-Attachment

-Allergies

-Feeling of Heaviness

-Greed

-Fatigue

-Lack of Motivation

-Depression

These “symptoms” can be attributed to the excess Kapha in our bodies that have balanced us through the Vata season (remember, “… when out of balance (in Winter’s case, Vata) do the opposite,” (balance with Kapha).)  Early Spring is a great time to push a mental “reset” button, by cleansing the body in a few different ways!

You are what you eat?! We are encouraged to move from heavier grounding foods that keep us warm in winter to lighter, drier, pungent and warmer foods.  As spring moves on, and fresh spring produce arrives, aim towards eating fresh more “airy” type foods: sprouts, berries, spring greens, etc. ** Click Here for more Dosha balancing foods**  

Stick to a daily routine.  Begin your days early in the morning avoiding naps. Some quick additions to a morning routine are: Tongue Scrapping, Oil Pulling, Self Massage (Abhyanga,) Neti-Pot, Drinking Warm Water, Pranayama, and Yoga Asana. Check out Katie Silcox’s site for more info.

Get moving!  For me, the most difficult part of “going to do something, whether running, working, going to the gym, getting on my mat, preparing meals” is the motion of starting! Lacing up my shoes, putting my work clothes on, cutting the produce, rolling out my mat… whatever it is, once I get “there”- I’m good, happy, glad I took the first step! Like Nike, Just do it!  Get out there, enjoy the fresh air, move your body. “A body at rest, stays at rest; a body in motion, stays in motion!”  We offer a variety of yoga classes here at Village Yoga, perfect for any-BODY at any level! Check out our schedule to see what works best for you!

Recycle! Go through closets, drawers, bins, bags, garages, wherever you may be storing those items that you may “need” for some occasion. We all have them. Donating clothes or other items to local thrift stores not only helps others, but helps you out in return.  Maybe a weight off your chest? I know when I donate things that I may not need or want anymore, I feel happier. Plus, you could make room for new items for a “new” you; whether these are brand new, or new-to-you!  If you have items that are a little too worn in for donating, perhaps recycle as rags for cleaning or create something new!

Try something new! Pick up a new hobby, plant a garden, volunteer locally… Grab a friend or family member to keep you motivated!

This year, why not include yourself in your annual spring cleaning routine!? Your body and mind will surely be grateful!

What about you- Do you have an annual ritual?  What is your favorite activity?  Do you have a favorite recipe?  Please, tell us how you celebrate this beautiful time of year!

*Resources:

https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/march-equinox.html

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/ayurvedas-guide-to-health-in-every-season

https://mapi.com/blogs/articles/enjoying-a-balanced-spring

https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/seasonal-guides/spring-guide/

https://www.ayurveda.com/pdf/food-guidelines.pdf

https://chopra.com/articles/understanding-kapha-how-to-stay-healthy-and-energized

https://theshaktischool.com/

Written by: Charlee Ulmer