Accordingly to Ayurveda – the sister science of yoga – each person, living entity and season are comprised of three distinct energies: vata, pitta and kapha. These energies exist in and mimic every life force, enabling a state of true alignment and balance. It is through this simple and sweet way of viewing the world, that we can better understand our true natures.
As we welcome the spring season with open arms, many of us notice first the warm smells the morning after a Colorado rainstorm, the birds chirping outside our windows, the occasional spotting of a bunny rabbit and perhaps the slight inclination to stow away our heavy sweaters and replace them with cotton skirts and t-shirts. Yes, our beloved Colorado spring has finally arrived and we celebrate in joy.
We learn on our yoga mats, that our true nature is one of beauty, divinity and peace. As we dance through different asanas, we are naturally choosing to align with our true nature. From a similar space, Ayurveda encourages us to turn to mother-nature – as a guide and reminder of the unity that exists within us all. As we welcome spring-time, we are welcoming also the Kapha-like elements, found within ourselves and mapped onto the external world. Thus the damp, moist, heavy qualities we see in rainstorms and fertile ground, exist also somewhere within us. It is these qualities, so eloquently designed by mother -nature, that encourage new beginnings, fertility and expansion. We see this as many of us create space for gardens and the planting of flowers during the spring. We see this also when roses begin the bloom and animals reproduce. This space created by new beginnings and fresh starts is exactly as nature designed and yet another reminder of our true natures.
In addition to cultivating a daily or weekly yoga practice, Ayurveda would encourage us to explore also the various ways in which we can utilize the Kapha-like energy of the spring. In what ways can we begin a new, allowing for fresh perspectives and innovative beginnings in our lives? Perhaps a more honest way to embrace Kapha during the spring time, is to ask ourselves where and how we have grown stagnant in our lives. Are there places where we feel stuck and yearning for growth? For change? Perhaps we have a new project we want undertake. Perhaps we have always wanted to travel somewhere new or try a creative hobby. Perhaps we feel the deep desire to connect with new friends or try a more vigorous Ashtanga yoga class.
The possibilities for new beginnings are endless. How we choose to seize this gift bestowed upon us by Mother Nature is as individual as our unique constitutions. This spring, when we find ourselves on our mats, reminded once again of our true nature, allow us to also welcome the ways in which we can begin anew.
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