A Graceful Transition from Winter to Spring, by Jodi Wellman

There can be no doubt that winters in Seattle have made themselves famous; well known for dark days, driving rains, and perpetual sogginess, many of us cope by ducking into coffee shops, filling our bodies with warm grounding foods, and doing our best to fend off the wrath of winter's muse, the offending flu. It is the season paradoxically associated with slowing down and intimacy as well as cold and suffering, and here in the Pacific Northwest we receive an extended version.

The rapid, frenetic pace of modern culture leaves little opportunity for slowing down and aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature; this mis-alignment often manifests as aggravation, discomfort and dis-ease. Ayurveda, yoga's sister science, espouses the belief that the macrocosm (nature) is mirrored within the microcosm (individual), therefore whatever shifts in nature must, and will shift within the individual as well. Winter is a time of inward movement, where just as in nature we shed the leaves of old habits, patterns, and ideas, that come spring we may blossom into a renewed and fuller expression of Self. However greatly we may long for and anticipate the emergence of spring, the transition from winter to spring is a tough one.

According to Ayurveda winter is dominated by the qualities of Kapha, whose characteristics are cold, heavy, stable, dense, and viscous; this is why we find ourselves moving slower, craving heavier foods, and longing for more sleep. Just as nature is confused as to which season she belongs to, it is common to experience an internal clash during this time as we begin to crave more activity while still being bound by the inert energies of winter.

As Yogis we seek to move with whatever sensations, emotions, or energies arise for us; trusting the immortal wisdom of intuition and moving in harmony with her rather than resisting that which we don't like; resistance not only creates suffering but it is a subtle assault on our True Teacher. Dr. Robert Svoboda, preeminent ayurvedic scholar in the west says "You retain your health only so long as you are willing to forgive your stresses, shrug off adversity and adapt to new situations.

Resistance to change always impedes the workings of your immunity". It is wise to move with gentleness during this time of year. Allow yourself to surface slowly; spend time observing nature's emergence, she peers out slowly and with great effort wary of blossoming too quickly at the first hint of warmth and sun. Remember that all re-birth comes with great struggle and effort. The practice of compassion and ahimsa towards self helps to ease the transition.

Other practices that are helpful are being mindful of the foods we eat: begin to consume lighter foods, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking herbal teas to hydrate the body, and reducing caffeine intake which contributes to imbalance and inertia. "Light food assists the mind's efforts to integrate body, mind and spirit" (Svoboda). Cleansing is also very powerful as it aids in removing the static energy of winter; for further information on fasting and cleansing please visit www.theherbalist.com. Before showering in the morning exfoliate the skin and massage your body with oil (sesame, sunflower, or coconut oils are ideal). Not only is this practice luxurious, but you're counteracting the drying aspects of winter.

Lastly, allow yourself the pleasure of sleeping more, or engaging in quiet activities, this helps pacify aggravating qualities as we 'die' to this season and prepare ourselves for our new awakening.