Fall is a season of change, movement, and transition. These energies often bring a sense of uncertainty, which can be heightened during events like an election year, the lingering effects of a global pandemic, and various upheavals around the world.
In Ayurveda, times of transition and uncertainty are linked to vata dosha.
Vata governs movement in the body, mind, and environment.
During autumn, this is reflected all around us: the wind blowing dried leaves off the trees, shorter days, and colder nights.
In our bodies and minds, vata’s energy may manifest as increased dryness, restless energy, heightened emotions, and a general sense of anxiety.
Additionally, vata’s energy can lead to depletion. After the harvest’s abundance, nature is stripped down to its bare essentials. Everything turns inward, entering a state of hibernation. This shift is marked by a move away from the outward excitement of summer sunshine and extroverted play.
Our energy subtly turns inward, and our inner experience becomes more pronounced.
Imagine standing outside in a cold wind with bare skin. You would feel uncomfortably chilly, exposed, and vulnerable. Prolonged exposure might make your skin rough and dry.
This physical sensation has an emotional parallel: feelings of callousness, rigidity, confusion, anxiety, overwhelm, and even fear.
These are all signs of excess vata in the mind and emotions.
For many, this adds another layer of anxiety and emotionality to what we already experience simply by living as humans on a rapidly changing planet.
Practicing self-compassion during these times is crucial. Having practical Ayurvedic tools to balance vata is equally essential.
Bringing Balance and Peace
Ayurveda offers many effective ways to balance vata in the body and mind. One approach includes eating warm foods, enjoying warm oil massages, and drinking nourishing herbal teas.
These methods help balance vata on a physical level. Similarly, in nature, we see squirrels collecting acorns and storing up oils and proteins to sustain them through winter.
In addition to physical practices that balance the body, there are also energetic practices to calm the mind and nervous system.
One simple yet transformative practice is working with the breath.
Breathwork, or pranayama, is a powerful tool to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which fosters a sense of calm and safety.
The Power of Bhramari Pranayama
One of the most effective practices to reduce excess vata in the fall is Bhramari Pranayama, or Humming Bee Breath. This practice calms and relaxes the mind, which in turn relaxes the body.
Bhramari Pranayama can help release tension and alleviate feelings of anxiety that arise with darker days, as these often bring uncomfortable internal emotions to the surface.
This practice is known to release endorphins, uplift your mood, and create a sense of inner peace.
It connects you to the “hum” of the universe, reminding you of your timeless connection to eternal peace. Simply by focusing on your breath, you can tap into an energy far greater than yourself.
This practice also helps you withdraw your senses, providing a buffer from the external demands of grocery lists, holiday plans, kids’ schedules, and your own to-do lists.
Instead, it helps you reconnect with the part of you that exists beyond “doing” and reawaken a deeper sense of “being.”
What would your daily life look like if you felt rooted in a deep sense of calm and peace? How might this influence your decisions? What would you fight for? What would you let go of?
After just one practice, you’ll likely feel more calm, grounded, and centered.
Over time, aim to practice this pranayama every morning. It only takes a few minutes, and the cumulative benefits far outweigh the small amount of time required to complete it.
Learning this practice is easy—just follow the step-by-step instructions for Bhramari Pranayama. Be sure to read any contraindications to ensure it’s suitable for your situation.
May this simple yet transformative practice bring you peace, spacious awareness, and a deep trust in the mysterious unfolding of life.
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