Guest Writer:  Sophia Maamouri

As we transition from summer to fall, we prepare ourselves for winter. The energy of the plant world is going into the roots. Foliage is drying and turning beautiful colors. Squirrels are busy stealing seeds from the bird feeders and hoarding food to their “storage units.” My goats are fluffing up with their new cashmere undercoat, and the chickens and ducks are molting. Bears are fattening up for hibernation.

As human beings, our bodies are attuned to the natural rhythm of nature as well. As the animal and plant kingdom, we are guided by the rising and the setting of the sun. We have the freedom to use electricity, but when it gets dark earlier, we might feel sleepy and need more sleep. The cycle of the moon affects our internal rhythm and emotions. With the weather getting colder most of us feel like eating heavier foods and more fats to sustain our energy. Some of us feel the need to fly south; others need to slow down.

By listening to our deep internal clock, the one that tunes itself naturally to the environment, we can stay healthy and happy. Otherwise, we feel as if we are swimming against the current, and it leaves us depleted.

In Yoga, the mind, “chitta,” and the intellect, “buddhi,” are differentiated. Our minds want to continue doing the same things. Our intellects might tell us to keep warm, slow down and rest more because of the weather getting colder and the nights getting longer. By pressing the pause button for our minds and listening to our bodies and intellects, we might transition through the season with more ease.

Ayurvedically yours,
Sophia

About Sophia Maamouri:  She received her BFA and is an LMT, Ayurvedic practitioner and member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and a certified yoga teacher.  Sophia offers workshops at Posabilities on Ayurveda and Yoga and art and is a faculty member of the Tula Institute of Yoga.