Transition into Autumn
Harvesting of Golden Rod Ready for Autumn Teas
Transitions can be hard, and the transition from summer into autumn can be particularly brutal both physically and mentally. Things seem to be moving a bit too fast and we are often left racing to catch up. For those of us with children, we are not only managing our own transitions but our children’s. Our kids who ran wild and free all summer now need to be at a certain place at a certain time, they need to be focused and “on.” There is no real downtime at school. Often by the time you get to see them, they are collapsing in an exhausted heap in the floor! How can we help ourselves and our kids make the transition more smoothly?
Downtime
Not necessarily sitting in front of the telly. I’m not completely anti-screen, I love a good Netflix binge as much as the next person, but I also see that it is not always “good” for us or our children. It’s ok for children to be bored – in fact I think it’s constructive, creative and good for them –but that is for another time. Downtime can be scheduled idle time, time to read, to draw, to play with toys, maybe with some family games added in. Coming up with a special name for this time can be a great way to start off and for kids who find it hard to “find something to do,” making a list together might work well. It is great for them to learn how important relaxation time is to being healthy.
Make time for downtime! Same rules apply for grown ups. Time just to be. Autumn is a time when we can look to quietening down, lessening stimulation, becoming more internal.
Wearing oneself out in October can result in low immunity for flu season. This is the time to be helping the body and mind prepare for winter. Getting back into a healthy, perhaps more structured routine, with good sleeping patterns is important. Really taking care of yourself can pay off later in the season.
Connection to Nature
If we are in tune with our natural intelligence and with our bodies’ needs, we usually find that we begin to crave the foods that are in season, and a routine that will bring us balance. We mimic what is going on in nature – releasing and restoring. The key is to work with the season rather than fight it. Celebrate by getting out in the countryside or park and picking apples or other seasonal fruit or vegetables, looking at the changing leaves. We can really miss out in the city by not soaking up the changes on a really visual and sensual level.
Seasonal foods
When the temperature drops the body scrambles to protect itself from heat loss. Nourishing foods are essential. Adjusting to seasonal eating means we make a shift from raw and cold foods such as salads to warming, gently cooked ones such as soups and dals. Simplify your diet, think of food as being something to nurture you: root vegetables, carrots, beets, pumpkins, and butternut squash, etc. Autumn is not the time to be skipping meals. Irregular mealtimes can create stress and deficiency in the body. Nurturing yourself nutritionally in this way can help prevent colds and flu. In Ayurveda we look to foods such as lemons, miso, cooked apples, ghee, and almonds, along with the vegetables above to build up resilience. Kitchari can be another way to nourish and nurture the body. Kitchari is an Ayurvedic dish, very good for digestion. If you are feeling sluggish, a good kitchari can be the way to go.
Tea / fluids
In Ayurveda we are entering what is known as Vata season, the dosha of air and ether, cool and dry, and our bodies align with this. As the leaves are drying outside, we start to feel our skin drying, our body’s thirst response is diminished and we can become dehydrated. Instead of drinking cold water start the day with warm lemon water. Add in turmeric & ginger root for bonus points. I generally have this mix in my water bottle all day.
Herbal teas really come into their own in autumn. Drinking them throughout the day helps hydrate, along with particular herbs that really enhance our wellness. We are more vulnerable to illness, such as stomach bugs and colds at these times of transition, so teas and foods that boost immunity can be helpful.
To prepare for autumn and winter I have harvested:
Tulsi (Holy Basil) which not only has great nutritional value but can be helpful for stress.
Echinacea – used for an immune system boost and for shortening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Black Eyed Susan – very similar benefits to Echinacea, it’s also used as a pultis for snake bites – just fyi.
Goldenrod – used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis and other similar ailments of the respiratory tract. It has been used to help treat digestive issues such as colic, diarrhea, and stomach cramps as well.
Sage – a little goes a long way! A wonderful herb for clearing the sinuses and nasal passages.
Cinnamon is another great herb used at this time of year, it’s calming with antiseptic properties. You might think about making up your own Chai tea blend with Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Clove, Dry Ginger, Fresh Ginger, Star Anise, and Orange Peel.
Manuka honey – coming from New Zealand I tend to think that Manuka honey will solve most problems in life! Manuka can be added into teas to help with sore throats and immunity. People use it a lot in New Zealand for skin issues, too, such as burns, wounds, and ulcers etc.
Mindfulness
A mindfulness practice can help us with our day-to-day challenges, just by remembering to focus on the moment and being sensorily aware. Be aware of your surroundings, what you are seeing, smelling, hearing and touching. Let go of the thinking, release stress regularly throughout the day.
Meditation
Meditation is always helpful no matter where you are. The benefits are worth the discipline. I do think that it can be a really nice time to begin a practice in line with the quieting season.
Autumn really is a beautiful season, make sure you take the time to soak it up and adjust!
‘When walking, one knows – I am walking,
When standing, one knows – I am standing,
When sitting, one knows – I am sitting,
When lying down, one knows – I am lying down.”
Buddhist teaching
Brogan Ganley is a Women’s and Children’s Health advocate, who specializes in relief from Stress and Anxiety. She is a Meditation and Mindfulness teacher, Urban Zen Integrative Therapist, Reiki Master and registered Yoga Teacher. She works with hospitals, schools and individuals developing programs to empower both adults and children to make changes in their lives to enhance wellness and healing. For the recipes, and details of upcoming Meditation Series see website-www.BroganGanley-Wellness.com