Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
~ A Celtic Blessing
As the Fall Season is fast approaching, and Summer’s hectic, hot days are diminishing, we are often left feeling sluggish, tired, and yearning for some quiet downtime. In a perfect World where we more fully follow the natural rhythms of nature, we would be naturally creating this downtime for ourselves. Unfortunately, in the World most of us live in, our lives do not slow down, but instead stay at the same pace, even though our body and mind craves to follow the rhythm of Nature.
These fast and crazy lifestyles, ever moving, and when not moving, a ceaseless mind that continues to overrun our very foundation of calmness. In this midst of our fast-paced lifestyles, we seek solace and a way to calm down. It’s often a quick fix, but this creates a very temporary, false release. Often we reach for a glass of wine, or mindlessly put on the TV; but in the long term these are just distractions, which may even deplete us more.
What the body and mind are really craving is the deeper essence of relaxation to fill the deeper well within. In Ayurveda this deeper essence that we all possess, in varying amounts, is called Ojas. In the ancient texts it is known as the sacred elixir or Amrita. We are all said to posses a handful of Ojas at birth, for which we proceed to deplete through our lifetime.
Ojas is depleted from an imbalance of overactivity in lieu of the need to relax, restore, replenish and rejuvenate. An overexcitement of the senses, such as movement, talking, sex, etc.; these all deplete Ojas. Can we replenish this depletion? Yes – with rest and restoration, a healthy cleanse, and an inner focus.
Most of us cannot do this regularly, but we can look to create healthy times to re-set, such as the changing of the Seasons. The Fall Season is the best time to seek re-nourishment, to quiet and calm, as well as clear away the built up heat and congestion in the body and mind.
Here’s a great way to begin. Try a yummy rejuvenative and restorative pose? Something to re-set the deep nervous system, quiet the mind, and help the body create greater resilience.
There are several easy poses that you can do with minimal props, relaxing your mind and letting your body find a delicious moment of peace. The category of these poses is Restorative Yoga. Holding these poses for anything from 5 minutes to 10 minutes is a great amount of time to allow the body to relax and restore.
Here are two for you to consider:
Central Nervous System Relaxer:
Legs up the Wall:
As you ponder how to best rejuvenate this Fall, consider a Fall Ayurvedic Cleanse. Lalita’s Fall Cleanse begins October 11 this year, and ends October 22. This popular International cleanse is in its ninth year; and is the last time this cleanse will be offered. Celebrate the turning of a cycle and join us for our final virtual cleanse together.