Yoga, Breath, Meditation, Aromatherapy, and Ayurveda for the WINTER BLUES
By this time in the season, many of us find ourselves grappling with the winter blues. The cold, dark months can leave us feeling lethargic and uninspired, but so we recently took some time to learn some ways to cultivate warmth and vitality from within.
Our approach is rooted in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance and harmony within our bodies and with nature.
Understanding Seasons and Doshas through the lens of Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, each season corresponds to one or more of the three doshas: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). During winter, the cold and dry qualities of Vata can become prominent, leading to feelings of imbalance such as anxiety, restlessness, and coldness—both physically and emotionally. To combat these effects, it’s essential to focus on nurturing our inner warmth and grounding ourselves, both physically and mentally.
Balancing Inner and External Heat
In one of our recent workshops, we explored practices to find warmth within. We learned how to balance our inner and external heat through movement practices (sun salutations A and B) and through breathwork (fire breathing and surya bhedana). Using a beautiful poem from Tracee Stanley’s Luminous Self, we set the intention to cultivate our "inner warmth." We finished the practice with a guided yoga nidra focused on the warmth of the sun.
Yoga for Warmth
Yoga is an incredible tool for generating inner warmth, especially during the colder months. Certain practices can help stimulate metabolism, detoxify the body, and uplift our spirits. We spent about 45 minutes moving through heat-building postures like Sun Salutations A and B, as well as other warming flows designed to elevate our heart rates and invigorate our bodies. Additionally, we incorporated Ujjayi breath, a technique that creates a seal of heat within the body. This breath not only helps to keep the body warm during practice but also promotes a sense of calm and focus, allowing us to stay connected to our inner selves amidst the chaos of winter. You can use these practices at home to build your inner heat.
Aromatherapy for Upliftment
To enhance our experience, each participant received an essential oil roller infused with uplifting scents of lemongrass, lime, and patchouli. These oils are known for their invigorating properties and can help lift the spirit during the gloomy days of winter. We began by applying the oil to our wrists and taking ten deep breaths, allowing the energizing aromas to awaken our senses and prepare us for the practice ahead.
Finding Stillness in Yin
Once we built up some heat, we transitioned into a few yin yoga poses, which allowed us to cool down and integrate the warmth we had generated. The balance of dynamic movement followed by stillness is essential in Ayurveda; it helps us to feel grounded and centered. To deepen our practice further, we incorporated Surya Bhedana (solar breath where you inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril), a breathing technique that helps to channel energy and warmth.
Guided Yoga Nidra for Inner Warmth
To conclude our session, we settled into Savasana, where I guided a Yoga Nidra practice focused on cultivating warmth. This deep relaxation technique allows us to explore our inner landscapes, fostering a sense of safety and security that is essential during winter. As we rested, I encouraged participants to visualize warmth radiating from within, enveloping them in a comforting embrace.
Embracing the Season
Hopefully the cold will end soon! But in the mean time, as we navigate through the colder and gloomier months, it’s crucial to remember that we have the power to create warmth from within. By integrating Ayurvedic principles and mindful yoga practices into our routines, we can combat the winter blues and emerge with a sense of vitality and joy. Embrace this season as an opportunity for self-care and renewal. So, as winter continues, let’s be grateful for the random warm days (halleluiah!) and commit to nurturing our inner warmth—both on and off the mat. Whether through yoga, aromatherapy, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reflect, we can all find ways to shine brightly, even in the darkest months.