As the temperature rises and life gets busier, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and out of sync with the natural rhythm of the season. However, summer is actually the perfect time to slow down, tune in, and connect with the inner self. Through the practices of yoga and meditation, we can cultivate a sense of balance and harmony that carries us gracefully through the warmer months.
Understanding the summer season according to Ayurveda is key to adapting our lifestyle, including our yoga and meditation practices, to stay balanced and healthy during this time. Ayurveda teaches us that each season has its own unique qualities, and by aligning with these qualities, we can maintain our well-being.
Summer, known as "Grishma Ritu" in Ayurveda, is characterized by the dominance of the Pitta dosha. Pitta is composed of the fire and water elements, and during the summer months, the fire element tends to increase, leading to a buildup of heat in the body. This excess heat can manifest as skin irritations, digestive issues, and emotional imbalances such as irritability and anger.
To balance the increased Pitta during the summer, Ayurveda recommends focusing on qualities that are cooling, grounding, and nourishing. This includes:
Cooling Foods: In Ayurveda, food is seen as a form of medicine, and during the summer, it's beneficial to eat foods that have a cooling effect on the body. This includes foods like cucumber, watermelon, coconut water, and mint.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial during the summer months to help flush out toxins and maintain a balanced body temperature. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas can help keep Pitta in check.
Avoiding Excess Heat: Ayurveda advises against excessive exposure to the sun and heat during the summer, as this can aggravate Pitta. Instead, seek shade and wear light, breathable clothing.
Balancing Activities: Engaging in calming and soothing activities can help balance Pitta during the summer. This includes practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama, which help cool the body and calm the mind.
By understanding the qualities of the summer season according to Ayurveda, we can make informed choices about our diet, lifestyle, and self-care practices to stay healthy and balanced during this time. Incorporating these principles into our daily routine can help us enjoy the beauty of summer while maintaining our well-being.
To balance the Pitta dosha and stay cool during the summer, it's beneficial to incorporate yoga asanas that are grounding, calming, and cooling. According to Hansa Ji Yogendra, Lying down asanas are particularly beneficial during the summer months as they help cool the body and calm the mind. Including these asanas in your yoga practice can help you stay balanced and refreshed during the warmer days -
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): While the name might suggest otherwise, Surya Namaskar can actually be a great way to start your day and build internal heat in a balanced way. It also stretches and strengthens the entire body.
Yogendra Yastikasana (Stick Pose): This asana involves lying flat on your back with your legs straight and arms by your sides. It helps improve posture, stretch the spine, and relax the body.
Yogendra Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Matsyasana is performed by lying on your back and arching your chest upward, supported by your elbows. It stretches the chest, throat, and abdomen, and helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.
Yogendra Bhadrasana (Lying Down Variation - Reclining Butterfly Pose): This asana involves lying on your back with the soles of your feet together and knees bent out to the sides. It helps open the hips and groin, and promotes relaxation.
Yogendra Hastapadangustasana (Supine Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): This asana is performed by lying on your back and extending one leg up toward the ceiling, holding the big toe with your hand. It helps improve flexibility in the legs and hamstrings.
Pranayama , or yog ic breathing exercises also play a crucial role in cooling the body and calming the mind during the summer months. Including cooling pranayama techniques in your practice can help you stay balanced and refreshed. Here are three cooling pranayama techniques to try:
Yogendra Pranayama Sheetali (Cooling Breath): Sheetali pranayama is performed by curling the sides of the tongue and inhaling slowly through the mouth, then exhaling through the nose. This breathing technique has a cooling effect on the body and helps reduce excess heat.
Yogendra Pranayama Sheetkari (Hissing Breath): Sheetkari pranayama is performed by pressing the teeth together and inhaling through the gaps in the teeth, then exhaling through the nose. This pranayama has a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind.
Yogendra Pranayama Chandrabhedana (Left Nostril Breathing): Chandrabhedan pranayam is performed by closing the right nostril with the right thumb and inhaling slowly and deeply through the left nostril, then exhaling through the right nostril. This pranayama helps cool the body and balance the mind.
Including these cooling pranayama techniques in your yoga practice can help you stay cool, calm, and balanced during the summer months. They can be practiced indoors or in a shaded outdoor area, allowing you to connect with your breath and find a sense of peace and tranquility.
Meditation is a powerful tool for staying centered and calm during the heat of summer. It can help you connect with your inner self, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility. Here are some meditation techniques that are especially beneficial during the summer months:
Nispand Bhava: This powerful technique helps us view the world with acceptance and without judgment, allowing us to let go of daily stresses. To practice Nispand Bhava, sit with open arms rested on thighs, legs stretched out, and back against a wall. Close your eyes and listen to sounds without judgment, moving from one sound to the next. This technique can be experienced with any one sense at a time.
Visualization: Visualize yourself in a cool, serene place, such as a mountain stream or a shady forest. This can help you feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Chanting: Chanting mantras or hymns can have a soothing effect on the mind and body, helping you stay calm and centered.
In addition to yoga and meditation, there are several other practices that can help you stay balanced and healthy during the summer months:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate the body.
Eat Cooling Foods: Include foods like cucumber, watermelon, and mint in your diet, as they have a cooling effect on the body.
Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Spend Time in Nature: Take advantage of the longer days and spend time outdoors, connecting with the natural world.
In conclusion, summer is the perfect time to deepen your yoga and meditation practices, embraci ng them as essential tools for staying balanced and healthy during the warmer months. By incorporating specific asanas, along with cooling pranayama techniques, you can effectively cool the body and calm the mind.
Meditation for summer and yoga for summer season become not just physical practices but also profound ways to connect with the season's energy. Embrace the art of slowing down, allowing the summer to unfold at its own pace, while you find harmony and balance within. This approach not only helps you navigate the heat and busyness of summer but also nurtures a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. So, this summer, dive deep into your meditation and yoga practice, and discover the transformative power of these ancient practices in the context of the summer season.