Summer...The Season of Fire
By Kim Austin-Peterman
Ayurvedic Practitioner, RYT, CMT
It is important to recognize that we are all effected by our environments at both physical and mental levels. We experience the same changes that nature does as we are one with nature. The processes we see in nature are the processes of adaptation. Trees adapt to the change in temperature in the air, moisture level in its soil and variance of sunlight. When there is a higher temperature, moister soil and added sun light a tress will go through a sort of “life cycle”. New growth will start the process of flourishing and expanding. The shifting of seasons into Fall (or when the element of air is more predominant) starts the cycle of “dying” as the blossoms and leaves dry out. Every year a tree will shift and adapt to the influences and how it experiences its own environment. This is how Ayurveda says WE must commit to existing as well.
Some of the ways we instinctively adapt are quite obvious as others are less obvious, however can influence greatly. We often see things that offer balance to us provided by nature as it changes. In the Summer, for example we have seasonal fruits and vegetables that are not only in abundance but they are also beneficial in many ways in having an over all cooling effect. Fruits like melons help replenish what the body is drained of by the effects of the heat and sun. Plants like aloe not only feel right on a sunburn but also (eaten or taken internally) help tremendously to cool the liver and other organs effected by extreme heat. In fact most growth (relative to demographics) during the Summer will bring a benefit to our needs as our needs are sourced by the changes in season. This is something I see as sort of an “organic blue print”. After all, what kind of design would this world be if it did not come designed ideally, to support its inhabitants...right?
Yoga is another remarkable way we can use the guidance of nature to support our nature...again...we are one! Limiting the level of intensity and heat we bring to our practice can allow balance throughout certain times of excess intensity and heat. If one does, for example practice vigorously or with heat one can counter act the effects by adding cooling characteristics as well. Instead of a heating breath like Ujiyi pranayama, we can practice a cooling breath like shitali. Allow a slower vinyasa rather than a slamma jamma crazy flow that doesn’t allow time for full fluid breaths. Practice tree pose with your dristi or focus directed more towards the floor or ideally inward towards the heart instead of peircing straight forward. Allow the head to be lowered of the heart as in a forward bend to lessen the presence of the firey ego. Getting out of your head will get you out of your mind. Feel your yoga rather than do your yoga.
Yoga, just like anything else is only therapeutic when we relax into it. A consistent practice rather than every once and a while (or after we have already reached excess levels of fire energy) is what will serve to maintain our needs. Just as watering a tree regularly and not once it is dried out and depleeted is best for a tree.
Sometimes our practice needs to be less about our muscles and bones and more about the subtle body. It is important to acknowledge both as much as possible, however when our goal is balance, our needs change from day to day. A present, mindful yogi is tapped into to the differential and will allow their practice to be flexible and in accordance. This supports our form as yogis on the mat as well as human beings off the mat. Interacting with change can be an extremely mindful practice in and of itself. There is great integrity in following how you experience yourself within the ever-changing world. How well you relate to yourself has a direct impact on how well others relate to you. If we can navigate how we experience ourselves within our world then maybe we can experience life in every moment to its fullest.
Share Article Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 12:08PM