Seasonal Downshift

Service Description

In this seasonal practice, we’ll explore the elements of nature present in our world and our bodies. As the heat of summer cools, winds and rain grow more variable, and the seasonal shift is always a fluid, fluctuating process. In Ayurveda, this time of year is associated with the energy vata, scattered, often frenzied and the element of Air rules. Through a Chinese lens, it’s the end of the metal element, the season of the lungs and large intestines, and the season of letting go. Letting go is an important part of any alchemical process as we transform our mental, physical and psychospiritual energies; we can appreciate settling into the ground, as earth is always here to hold us. And in the natural world, Just as the sugars return to the center of the tree, the grass begins to go dormant. As the full harvest of crops nears completion, we feel the shift in our bones, our skin, and our bodies as we add layers to our clothing and bedding and stoke fires for warmth and comfort. And the colors change. The skies of September and October are some of my favorite blues- a fanfare of sorts- before the darker gray skies of winter, which also serve a purpose- not just gloom and doom :) How do you prepare for the coming months? How do you sense completion of this cycle? What does this seasonal shift mean to you? What is your body asking of you at this time? We’ll explore these inquiries and more through movement, journaling (optional), and sharing. Bring your favorite mug; I’ll have some teas on hand for us to sip as we fully integrate our seasonal downshift.