March 18, 2024
The Rhythm of Spring
We already know that seasonal rhythms are an important aspect of living in alignment with nature… And Spring invites us to embrace a new rhythm.
In Ayurveda, Spring is referred to as “kapha” season, which means there are more earth and water qualities present, bringing moistness, heaviness, and abundance.
This time of year, our bodies are strong and capable of physical exertion after more of a sedentary winter. Simultaneously, nature is exploding with signs of growth and newness. You might be feeling your own “Spring Fever” and desire to get outside more, clean your closet, make it to more studio classes, or even rally for the sunrise offerings to get a jumpstart on longer days! With more sunlight, there is often a natural desire to be doing more. You might even find your schedule ramps up as activities after work, school, or on the weekends become more non-stop. Just be careful not to overdo it (remember to keep the earth and water elements present).
Spring is also known as a cleansing season, Ayurvedically speaking. This is because nature is producing foods that naturally support the cleansing of the bowels and our overall system. This cleanse comes in the form of bitter flavors such as arugula, dandelion, endive, mustard greens, radicchio etc. Sound foreign? That’s because bitter is one of the tastes that our western culture doesn’t really give a whole lot of airtime to…
So, with the increased presence of earth and water elements, renewed and revitalized energy, and the cleansing properties of Spring, how can we best embrace the rhythm of the new season?
Here are a few simple Ayurvedic considerations to align you with the Spring Season:
Shop at the Farmers Market for seasonal foods - nature knows what the body needs for more natural cleansing and detoxification.
Incorporate more bitter flavor into your meals. Add foods like fennel, watercress, chard, kohlrabi, lettuce, beet greens, fermented foods, grapefruit, sprouts, raw veggies, chickpeas, millet and barley to your shopping list and meal plan! Or, harvest some wild dandelion!
Sip hot water on the days it still feels like winter (like today…) to support your digestion.
Wake before the sun (even if it’s only 15 minutes, even if it’s difficult!)
Be in bed before 10pm!
Start dry brushing or using a gua sha stone on your body for more lymphatic drainage.
And if you’re interested in a gentle approach to enjoying some bitter flavors as you welcome Spring, here’s a recipe for a Spring Green Juice to reduce bloating and water retention in the spring season!. It’s Inspired by The Prime, by Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D. (highly recommend adding this to your reading list if you’re intrigued by all this Ayurveda talk!)
1 head of romaine
1 bunch kale
2 cucumbers
1 bunch celery
1/2 red cabbage
2 apples
1 lemon (peeled)
1 inch of fresh ginger
P.S. This recipe makes about a ½ gallon.
Enjoy the longer days seek balance in your approach. It's all part of the rhythm. Happy Spring!
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