It is with grateful heart that I write this short note on the fall equinox. It is the change of the seasons today and in Ontario we have been feeling this gradual shift for the past week or so. What we are seeing in our environment is changing. The birds and little creatures feel busier doing their thing and getting ready for the colder weather.
This transition is often a difficult one for many people. Thoughts of cold and the long winter start creeping into the mind, anxiety can start to creep up after that and a scattered approach to life may start to emerge.
What are some great things that you can do for yourself during this time? First of all, acknowledge that yes, there is a season change and yes it is significant. Remember what happens every year at this same season change. What sort of emotions are connected to this shift for you. Do you always find yourself scrambling and reaching for something that may be out of reach? This year acknowledge, accept and embrace the changes. In order to do that first of all we have to realize what those changes are.
What are the changes and what do we need to do to stay balanced? Well, look around. Everything is getting ready to go to sleep. That tells us something right there. Try to get more rest. We are moving from light to darkness. Darkness brings introspection and allows for meditation to flow easily. Take more time for quiet contemplation and honour how your body wants to move in your yoga practice and life.
Allow routines to bring a sense of peace and calm into your life. The fewer things your have to think about the better. Create a routine that you can thrive in. One that leaves you feeling nourished, relaxed and also with stable and steady energy levels.
Eat foods that are nourishing, like soups and stews and dhal. Drink enough water and remember move slowly, thoughtfully with a belly and heart full of gratitude.
Set some clear intentions for yourself for the next few months. Set yourself up for success by focusing on only a few projects this winter. Leave lots of gaps for just being and living and enjoying this life from moment to moment.
Today, do something to honour the change of seasons. Doesn't matter what it is...just choose something and make that switch in your whole being to move in space and time honouring this phase. Enjoy what the season has to offer.
A beautiful recipe for you to try this fall :) These pears came from my late Zio's tree. Thank you Zia for the gift! :)
Lalitadevi's Pear Chutney
Step 1
Peel and chop about 14-16 cups of pears in smallish chunks.Step 2 Melt approx 3 tbs of ghee / mix of butter and oil in a pot. When it's hot pop some mustard seeds (1.5 tsp) in it and also sizzle some cumin seeds (1.5) and fennel seeds (2tsp) add 3 hot dried cayenne peppers. If you only have fresh make sure that you at least cut the ends off so they don't explode (I have made this mistake – yikes!)
Add a tbsp of minced ginger.
Stir these around still they sizzle and the dried peppers darken.
Step 3
Add in your Pears( peeled, cored and chopped)1/2 cinnamon sticks or a 1/2 tsp of powder, 1/2teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/4 tsp of paprika, 2 tsps. of salt, 1/2 cup or more of raisins, 2tbs of any vinegar, 1/2 cup of jaggery, sucanat or brown sugar.
Step 4
Stir it all up really well. Bring it to a slow boil stir it well, then turn down the heat and simmer at a medium low temp for about an hour. Stir every now and then to keep it from sticking.
Step 5
When it's thickened and golden take an piping hot. Put it in mason jars and turn them upside and cover them so they seal. The lids pop in when they are sealed. It needs to be piping hot for this method of turning upside down to work.
Step 6
You can open up a jar and use it on the side of anything and it will taste really good. A little sweet and a little spicy.
Yummmm :)
In service and love
Om Tat Sat
Lalitadevi
Lalitadevi is an experienced practitioner of classical yoga, Holistic Cranio-Sacral Therapist and Intuitive Spiritual Counsellor. She is a yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. She is known for taking her yoga practice into her daily life, living her best life, moving from a place of service and inspiring others to do the same. She is a partner, a friend, a mother, a daughter, a sister and an auntie and moves in the world free, enthusiastically and guided by spirit.
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