Fall is upon us!  It’s the season of massive and noticeable change in our environment as the leaves take on new hues and the temperatures dip. In Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga, the seasons correlate to the five elements, and Fall is associated with the air element or Vata dosha.  

When looking at different yoga philosophies, it helps to think metaphorically to cultivate a modern-day approach to understanding & working with these ancient ideas and practices. 

So if we consider that Fall is when the leaves literally fall off the trees, we can relate to the Vata season being of the air element.  Metaphorically this is in between Summer & Winter seasons and may actually feel a little “up in the air”, a little less grounded as things are changing rapidly.  

 In Yoga for Mental Health, we’ve been looking at how the three Gunas of Ayurveda affect our mental clarity and vitality.  In Ayurveda, the Gunas are Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva. Each one identifies energy of being, with correlating qualities that are excessive (Rajas), deficient (Tamas), or in balance (Sattva).  In the Vata season, if these three inner states are out of balance, they may show up as feelings of loneliness, depression, or lethargy which is Tamasic. Similarly, an imbalance may manifest as difficulty concentrating, aggression, anger, or anxiety, indicating excessive qualities, or Rajasic.

To find balance, a Sattvic state, in our everyday lives, especially during the Vata season, we can focus our energy on practices that are grounding, balancing, peaceful, and self-loving.

3 Vata Season Grounding Practices for Mental Clarity, Balance, Harmony, and Peace 

1. Pranayama - Box Breath - Come to a comfortable seated position, noticing the earth beneath you. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. Continue for as many rounds as you like.  

2. Asana - Practice Restorative Yoga where you’re encouraged to sink into the postures allowing the props to support you.  This practice is deeply nourishing, especially for those with excessive Rajasic tendencies. Sound Healing is another way of allowing the vibrations of the sound to move your energy up and out. If more active poses are needed to move out of a Tamasic state, try Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, and Child's pose as you root through the feet feeling the stability of the ground beneath you.  

3. Nature - Sit or lay on the ground, moon bathe, hike or walk ideally in the woods or a peaceful location where you can engage all 5 senses, create an altar inside with natural found objects such as rocks, feathers, sticks, or leaves that remind you of your own natural state of peace, balance, and harmony.   

Qualities of the 3 Gunas of Ayurveda

Rajas - sharp, hot, spicy, fast, constant moving, overwhelmed, tends towards anger and anxiety 

Tamas -  heavy, lethargic, dull, lazy, complacent, inertia, tends toward depression

Sattva - present, harmonious, balanced, peaceful