There is a fundamental rhythm that is present and alive within each and every one of us. It is a rhythm that tells us when we are hungry, when we are tired or over worked, when we are to extend outward or to pull back. This is a pulse that we have forgotten how to listen to, that we have chosen to ignore. Vitality, clarity, health and inner peace are available to us in abundance. But these cannot be obtained through our external pursuits alone. A vital connection must first be made in order awaken the inner wisdom; there must be a desire to move toward a life of balance. If that desire is not present, then no progress can be made.

Striving for a life of balance with Mother Nature and others is not for the weak at heart. It is a tireless and honest observation of oneself in all actions. It is the pursuit of what is real; often times uncomfortable and possibly running against the grain of what everyone else is invested in.

The tissues in our body have lost their memory and in their confusion have lost the ability to heal. We have lost our connection to the mother within and Mother Nature without. The fundamental rhythms that will bring true healing at the deepest level have been pushed aside. Usually, after we have exhausted all else it is only then that we are willing to give harmonious, conscious living a try. Those that harmonize themselves will be a harmonizing force in the universe around them. We can begin to awaken the memory of our tissues and cells and reconnect to the inner and outer rhythms that will guide us in all endeavors. We can start by acknowledging the cyclical rhythms of the seasons. Each season has an inherent pace that if followed will ensure that we have the health and vitality for the season to follow. Maintenance of health is a yearly process not just an occasional thought. We are not meant to be eating and living in the same manner in every season. Try living with the rhythms of the seasons for one whole year and you will see profound positive change in the body, mind and spirit.

We have just moved into the early winter season, passing through one of the most difficult seasonal junctures of the year as autumn turns into early winter. Early winter is the time to gather and collect ourselves and our families and prepare to move into the deep retreat of winter. This is a vulnerable time in terms of health as the season becomes colder, windier and wetter. The Ayurvedic texts say that disease and illness can only take hold in the body during the junctures between the seasons when all is in flux. During this time the body's natural immunity is weakened. Thus, we must take great care to move into the season with enough rest, wholesome food and a steady routine. This is a good time to go into our homes and bring to closure the unfinished business of this year or years past. If you did not clear out all the unnecessary 'stuff' in the cupboards, closets, basement and garage in the last season, now is the time to do it! Get it cleared out so that you can have a contemplative, restful deep winter and have total recuperation without these things weighing on the mind and body.

If you find yourself struggling with illness, unrest or excess weight that you are unable to lose, even more reason to clean out. It is necessary to let go of what does not serve us any more-it is a weight on the body and mind and clouds the consciousness. It is the time to gather our energies inward and assist our families to do the same. Begin to wind down and run around less. This can be difficult as our holidays fall during the time when we should do less, but we can make a personal effort to be less frantic and more thoughtful in the way we move through them. Getting back to the true spirit of what they represent.

If one is healthy, digestion actually gets stronger in the winter, so it is a time that we can handle a bit heavier and more comfort foods. Vata dosha in the body needs the warmth of warm mushy soups and warm cooked grains such as rice and oats. If you eat meat this is the time of year to allow for that in moderation. Stay away from cold drinks and frozen foods. Reduce raw veggies and instead eat them cooked or steamed. Root vegetables are encouraged and in season. Hot herbal teas and warm milk before bed soothes and counters the cold. Early winter is the time to take in the salty, bitter, astringent, moderately sour tastes along with warm, mildly unctuous foods in moderate quantity. The sweet taste should be taken in moderation, mostly through whole grains. These tastes will keep vata and kapha in balance. Kapha dosha is building in the body at this time so it is natural for the body to hold a few extra pounds at this time of year. Stay with your balanced exercise routine so the inertia and sluggishness of kapha do not become excessive. It is easy to become lethargic, attached and greedy at this time if we don't keep that in check. Enjoy the foods that are in season as they will provide the nourishment that the body longs for. Keep yourself warm and dry. Dry brush the skin to keep the body from becoming stagnant and do regular oil massage with warm sesame oil. Good teas for early winter are Ginger, Cinnamon and Clove as well as Licorice and Echinacea. Awaken to your own rhythms through the use of wholesome foods, herbs and spices. The memory contained in their prana will awaken the memory in your own cells. Acknowledge Mother Earth with gratitude by giving the herbs that you used to make your teas back to her-you can put them in your back yard at the base of a tree. Allowing the healing memory that you imbibed to go back to Mother to be born again. This simple act reminds Mother Earth that we have not forgotten her and thus our own memory for healing is restored.

This is the time to gather one's energies and prepare to spend the winter in a more inward and quiet manner as Mother Nature is rooted in her resting season, deep in the earth, preparing for spring. Clear up unfinished business and prepare for reflection and retreat. Stay with a nourishing diet and keep up a steady routine that involves some form of movement and breath to help with the natural depression that can arise when the season becomes dark and gray. This is a natural rhythm and through allowing time to reflect and listen to the inner, we can discover what needs to shift in our lives. When we don't allow for that time, the body will try to communicate to us through some discomfort until we pay attention. The body and spirit need to be revitalized and this is the time to do it!

The recommendations in this newsletter are general. Each individual has their own unique constitution. Ayurvedic consultations and body therapies are available.