SUMMER- RADIANCE
Every season has its own unique energy, atmosphere and flavor and to remain in harmony within our body it wise to be sensitive and remain in harmony with life around us. During the summer season the sun is high and its heat penetrates and enlivens all living things. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, summer is the season when Pitta and the element of fire are dominant. From time immemorial fire has been a symbol of transformation and purification. Indeed, Pitta is responsible for all processes of transformation in the body and the mind. Pitta energy is intense and sharp, and has the attributes of clarity and determination. When we are full of fire we are at the peak of our potency, yet we must keep in mind that whatever peaks also declines. The burning desire that fire creates can also quite literally burn us out. Whether or not you are predominantly Pitta* in constitution, it is prudent to take measures to keep the fire element in balance during the heat of the summer. Employing the four pillars of Ayurvedic lifestyle wisdom will help you keep your fire energy in balance. The four pillars are conscious exercise, conscious breathing, conscious relaxation, and conscious nutrition. True well-being arises from the proper alignment of the body, the mind, the senses and the soul.
As soon as the first heat waves of summer roll around, many of us feel the effects of the increased Pitta in the air, such as the potential for more irritability and frustration. Therefore it is vital to keep cool both mentally and physically. Exercise and asana practice during this time of year should aim at cooling and soothing any agitation that may be stirred up by the heat. In general forward bends and twists keep the energy at the navel balanced and harmonize Pitta and the fire element. Mentally Pitta corresponds to the ability to discriminate and transform information into understanding. It digests and transforms raw information into knowledge. Meditation and slow deep breathing help to cool and slow down the mind. Cool, quiet and contemplative activities are most suitable at the height of the fire season, such as swimming, taking evening walks, and bathing in the moonlight.
Both physiologically and spiritually, Pitta is located in the center of the body. Physically it is associated with the liver, small intestines and stomach, as well as blood, eyes and skin. As such Pitta governs all metabolic and transformational processes in the body, including digestion. Signs of excess Pitta include heartburn, excessive body heat and sweating, skin rashes, acne, and excess stomach acidity. Many seasonal foods will help to balance these tendencies as well as provide antidotes to excess. Emphasize foods that have cooling properties like sweet fruits like melons, cherries, or grapes, vegetables like asparagus, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and cooling spices and herbs such as cilantro, mint, fennel and coriander and drinking fresh herb teas made from mint and chamomile. This is also a wonderful time of year to lighten your overall diet and explore incorporating more raw and live foods into your daily diet.
Spiritually it is associated with the manipura chakra. Manipura chakra is located at the navel region and is ruled by the fire element, it is also closely linked with the processes of digestion and absorption. Fire brings light to our eyes and indeed the eyes are the sense organ and sight is the sense of both pitta and manipura chakra. Keep the eyes cool and calm with soothing colors like blue and green and serene images.
The most vital element of self-exploration is to approach oneself where you are, with an open and compassionate mind and heart. Ayurveda offers a unique approach to well-being that involves lifestyle adjustment, individualized dietary programs, and the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga and meditation. Attending to each of the four pillars will harmonize both the body and the mind. The cultivation of oneself is an open-ended process; it is an awareness practice that cultivates the ability to be present with what is. Through it you learn to chart your own direction, developing a feeling for what you need, then refining the path and tools required to be there. At RASA Holistic Arts Studio we are committed to creating an environment where you can explore yourself and your relationship to the world around you through a variety of movement practices, seasonal eating and bodywork. We invite you to use the resources at art of movement to support your exploration.
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ART OF NOURISHMENT
