| In the Ayurvedic tradition, each of the seasons is ruled by a primary dosha; Vata, Pitta or Kapha. The fall – with wind, cooler temperatures, and rain – is associated with the dosha Vata. The transition into fall can bring a sense of imbalance, especially if you are already dominant in Vata energy. Self awareness is the first step to change! Instead of resisting the change we can learn to live in balance with our environment. Knowing your dosha can be one way to help you live a healthier and more balanced life. Find your dohsa here. One soothing way to balance my own excess of Vata, is to spend time outdoors. I find that connecting to the stability of earth has a very calming and grounding effect – whether it’s a mindful walk in the woods or climbing mountains! Earlier this fall I was introduced to high-altitude hiking for the first time. To hike up ‘South Sister’ (10,358 ft.) Oregon’s third tallest mountain was a very rewarding experience of incredible views and my own physical endurance. Watch my short video here. Other self-care strategies during the fall season that I do, is to favor activities that are the opposite qualities of Vata such as heavy, warm, moist, and grounding. I dress in warmer clothes, drink warm herbal teas and try to cook and eat more warm food twice/day – which isn’t always easy when you are used to quick and cold smoothies, salads etc for lunch…but it’s worth the effort as it makes me feel more balanced. Knowing yourself can also mean becoming aware of your inner strength and resources, as a way to enhance your ability to face and move through difficult situations. That is what I am teaching this month in my live online Body-Centered Training “Embodied Resources”. By using these three techniques with your clients, they can align with the inner resources they already have but might not be aware of. Would you like to learn more about how to weave in mindful awareness and body sensations into your coaching conversations? Contact me for a complimentary 30 minute Introductory Call. Love and presence, Nina |
#mindfulness
Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future and today is the gift, Issue #14.
| I love eating my breakfast outside in the summer mornings. Usually, it’s very hot around this time in Texas, but this morning is perfect! Sunny, 22 C / 72 F and a fresh breeze. A quote from yesterday’s yoga class rings in my head; “yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, and today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present.” This morning really feels like a gift! I connect with my senses to be mindfully present; I listen to the birds, I taste the blueberries, I smell the aroma of my coffee, I feel the morning breeze on my skin and I see the sun shine through the trees. It’s well know that practicing mindfulness gives us a greater well-being and can help us to increase our ability to regulate emotions, decrease stress, anxiety and depression. It can also help us to focus our attention, aswell as to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. All, which is very useful in our work with clients. In Body-Centered Coaching, mindfulness plays a key role as it’s the core foundation along with the body sensations. To be mindful is a daily practice and it doesn’t’ have to be complicated! It can be seen as an intention to be aware, inspired, curious and open for what’s going on around us and inside of us, and it’s all about our own inner experience. Here is a great article from HuffPost on easy daily practices, enjoy! I wish you a very happy and mindful summer! Love and presence, Nina |