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Agni
 My spirit is always lifted by the arrival of autumn. Maybe a childhood of "back to school" rituals have imprinted in my psyche, but fall's brilliant colors and crisp breezes always blow a surge of energy my way. Sometimes, though, the winds of change gust so strongly that I find my focus scattered. That's when I know that autumn, the season of vata, has arrived. Our constitutions are actually a balance of 3 doshas - kapha (water/earth), pitta (fire), vata (ether/ air). Yoga's sister science, Ayurveda, teaches us that vata is the dosha which regulates the movements of our body and mind. When vata is in balance our systems flow, our thinking is clear and we experience great vitality. But vata is the most subtle of the doshas and is easily thrown out of balance. Autumn, with its chill air and dry, gusty winds often brings an excess of vata. So when I find myself feeling scattered, sleepless, or more susceptible to worry, I know an overabundance of vata is at play and it's time for some re-balancing.
Regularity, warmth, and moisture are what is needed to please the overactive vata dosha, and nature itself provides the path. I go to the Farmer's Market for seasonal root vegetables and squashes to transform into moist, warm stews (see our great pumpkin soup recipe below for your own house warming). The color of autumn leaves reminds me to add spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and saffron - all warming sources. The waning daylight leads me to create a more regular daily routine for myself, and I am inspired to cocoon at home more often and snuggle into bed at an earlier hour. As darkness increases I allow my focus to turn inward and I begin to reconnect with stillness.
To celebrate autumn and the season of vata, our focus for this month at Flow is Stoking our Inner Agni! Throughout October we will highlight core-centered, grounding poses that strengthen our diaphragms, make better use of our lungs (which correlate closely with autumn), soothe any vata imbalances in our constitution, and fuel our inner fires. Think restorative poses, slow flow sun salutations, forward bends, and gentle twists. Think longer held poses to ground and stabilize such as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) and Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). Other ways to warm up at Flow this month: Experience the balancing effect of warming oils with a morning self massage (try sesame oil!) and learn full body massage techniques at the return of our popular Couple's Massage Workshop. Or if you'd like to explore inward, join Hugh for a very special in-studio, half day Meditation Retreat. And to keep your yoga practice regular in the midst of change, join us for a workshop on Flowing in Your Habitat -- Creating your practice for Home and on the Road.
As the brisk weather of autumn arrives this October, come stoke your inner agni at Flow!
Stocking your inner fire -- Yummy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp margarine
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 Tbsp flour
2 cups canned pumpkin*
1 tsp brown sugar
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups veggie broth
2 1/2 cups soy milk
1-2 oz silken tofu (optional for thickening)
Directions:
Saute onions in melted margarine for 3 minutes. Add rest of ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with coriander and Enjoy!
*If time permits, use a fresh pumpkin! Cut open the pumpkin at the stem and open. Remove the seeds (reserve seeds for later). Scoop out the flesh and chop into small chunks. Cook in boiling water until soft. When the pumpkin is soft, drain and put the pumpkin into the blender, blend and add to the pot! For an extra treat, roast the seeds on a lightly greased baking sheet with salt, pepper and warming cayenne pepper!
Our Previous Monthly Focuses
September 05 (The Yamas)
July/August 05 (Bakasana & Blissful Hips)
May/June 05 (Chaturanga)
April 05 (Bhandas)
March 05 (Saucha)
February 05 (Backbends)
January 05 (Inversions)
December 04 (Chanting)
November 04 (Meditation)
October 04 (Compassion)
September 04 (Impermanace)
August 04 (Chakras)
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