Change of Seasons Isn’t Just for Trees

Crisp mornings signal a change. The obvious change is in the color of the leaves on the trees but it’s a system-wide transition. As nature moves into a new phase, we stay aligned when we move with it.

While visiting my mom last week, she took me to the local water park that has a “lazy river.” It’s a canal of water that rushes around in a circular structure like a river, only with clear chlorinated water and a smooth cement bottom. Two hours each day are reserved for people to walk it.The rest of the day is open for kids bouncing along on tubes. Mom and I were walking and chatting in the hot summer sun when I saw a couple of people walking in the opposite direction against the current. I could see they were making a lot of effort and thought I would try it. It was hard! The water was pushing me back as I struggled to move forward. 

I thought, this is what it’s like when we continue to live our lives with the same routines and the same pace throughout the year. We end up struggling against the flow. Living in tune with nature is like paddling with the current instead of against it. Sure, there are times for great effort but it’s not sustainable in the long run. This is a root cause of burnout - pushing too hard while living out of synch with the seasons.

The fluctuating energy of this seasonal change affects every aspect of our lives, including physical and mental health. My health is the most important asset in my business. It’s why I like to change routines and practices to match the upcoming seasonal energy. Summer has the energy of expansion, celebration, freedom. Autumn is about gathering the harvest, counting blessings and crafting a nest to snuggle in for the winter. 

In my business, it’s a time to reflect, check metrics and thoughtfully plan the next season based on my findings and my feelings. 

Where I live, the turn of the wheel from one season to another can feel like turning a sharp corner. One morning may be sunny and 80 degrees. The next can be 40 degrees and raining. Transitions are inherently unstable, whether dramatic as they are here or subtle like in sunny California. Just as you reach for the grab bar when rounding a mountain bend in a Land Rover, it’s important to take action to stabilize during a seasonal transition.

This is a time of Vata, according to Ayurveda - India’s nature-based health system. Vata is a combination of air and space elements. It’s light, variable, quick, cool and dry. The nervous system is the home base of this energy. For someone with a sensitive nervous system, this change of season is more strongly felt.

To cultivate balance through this transition of seasons, bring in the gentle opposites. Eat warm, moist foods, root vegetables and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Stabilize your daily routine. Get up and go to bed at the same time, eat meals on a consistent schedule and have both a morning and evening routine. A daily practice of stillness, meditation or quiet contemplation is also very beneficial at this time. And, rest. It’s okay to take breaks. When I’m well-rested and well-resourced, I’ve got more energy to bring to my business. 

Reduce sensory overload while you work by clearing off your desk, organizing your shelves and adding in some warm, cozy colors and fabrics. I’ve got sheepskin on my office chair. 

Don’t wait until the leaves are on the ground. Get out in front of any instability while it’s still summery outside. This can help prevent dips in your energy and your income.

There are also a few wonderful products to support your nervous system through this transition. I’ve partnered with Banyan Botanicals to bring you what I consider to be the best products for seasonal support that align with Ayurvedic wisdom. Three products I recommend to support your mind, body and business through the autumn season are:

Vata Massage Oil

Warm oil massage is a key self-care practice that gets me through the winter. I switch from cooling coconut oil in the summer to warming sesame oil at this change of seasons as we head toward winter. 

Chyavanprash

This superfood herbal jam is nourishing for the nervous system, rejuvenating for the body’s tissues and supports healthy immune function. It can be dissolved into a cup of warm water or spread on toast (I like to layer it on top of almond butter on my morning toast). You can also eat it right off the tea spoon.  

Ashwagandha Latte Mix

And for a warm, nourishing night time soother, try this ashwagandha latte mix. This root powder supports the nervous system and the immune system. 

Use code MIRA15 to get 15% off your first order.

Unplug from the frenetic energy of society and plug into the deep wisdom of nature. Follow Her rhythms for balance health all year long. 

Journal Prompts: 

What in my life right now feels like I’m going against the current? 

What in my schedule needs to change to accommodate this change of seasons?

What are two or three self-care habits (such as warm oil massage) can I implement to feel more stable, grounded and warm?