As we approach the end of summer and the transition into fall with the equinox arrival on September 22nd (in the Northern Hemisphere), may we honor time for rest, reflection, and seasonal self-care.

Sandhi means junction, and Ritu means season. Ritu Sandhi is the period that joins two seasons. According to classic Ayurvedic texts, Ritu Sandhi takes place during the period when the seasons are in transition, this will include fifteen days of the season that is ending (Summer), and fifteen days of the season that is beginning (Fall).

Thus, as we welcome this transitional time, we must remain observant, aware, and connected. The rhythms of nature are shifting, and so must we. Below are some sacred self-care lifestyle tips to help you better navigate the seasonal transition.

Autumn Self-Care.

1. Practice Pranayama

There is simply no better way to balance the vayus (winds and sub-doshas of Vata) than through a daily breathwork practice. Recommendation: Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Sama Vritti (Balanced Breath), 4-7-8 Breathing (Relaxation Breath), and Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath) are wonderful options for maintaining balance during the Autumn season. Stay tuned for my Autumn / Early Winter Pranayama Practice Program, COMING SOON to my streaming content practice programs.

2. Honor HYDRATION

Some of the elemental qualities heightened during the fall season: dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear. Hydration can serve two purposes, it can add some weight / heaviness to keep us grounded, and it can be the antidote to dry. Recommendation: Focus on warm beverages. Favor herbal teas made with cumin-coriander-fennel, or ginger and cinnamon (warming spices). Enjoy a cup of warm, full-fat, happy cows milk prior to bedtime to assist in a restful night's sleep.

3. Nurture Nourishment

Regulating Agni (Digestive Fire / Gut Health) through a Self- Guided 3-Day Autumn Digestive Reset & Rejuvenation is necessary during this transitional season. Recommendation: Join me for my Community Supported 3-Day Ayurvedic Autumn Digestive Reset & Rejuvenation and nurture inner nourishment together! Further, by prioritizing the sweet, sour and salty tastes we can intentionally nurture better balance during this time of year. Prioritize food and drinks with warm, moist and heavy qualities as this will help to counter the dry, cold, and light qualities of the Vata season. To learn more about Ayurvedic living, Ayurvedic nutrition, personalized daily and seasonal self-care, sign-up for a personalized Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consult.

4. Move Mindfully

Vata's (Air + Ether) inherent tendency is to move. We must honor what she wants, but also within the realms of being mindful of what she needs. Recommendation: Slower paced, balanced, and fluid vinyasa practices with more grounding asana (postures) is most ideal during this time of year. Check out my streaming content for more mindful practices and practice programs. Join today for your free 7-day trial!

5. Rest and Restore

This season lends us permission to focus inward, to rest, and to restore. Recommendation: I encourage you to prioritize a daily yoga nidra or restorative yoga practice during the Vata time of day, between 2PM - 6PM or if restless between the Vata hours of morning, 2AM - 6AM.

Navigating Seasonal Transition