seasons

Consider Stillness on the Full Moon Solstice

 

This morning we marked a full moon, and tonight, we’ll observe the Summer Solstice. The last time this happened was in 1967, during the “Summer of Love.”

http://drwh0.tumblr.com/post/146105760236/watch-for-a-full-looking-moon-on-the-eve-of-the

So I do like the advice above from @mysore_sf to rest. The full moon in summer lends enough energy on its own, and the solstice does even more so. Our inclination, observing and sensing these energies, is to expend a lot ourselves. We can really go off the charts with that energy, and should balance it with more resting, cooling practices. Minimize those things that aggravate pitta dosha: caffeine, alcohol, activity, and strenuous practices. Being as I am largely kapha dosha, I can forget I also have a fair amount of pitta, which can get easily aggravated by such energies. It’s wonderful in vata autumn and winter, and kapha spring to rely on such energies, and so invigorating to use summer for what it’s for, but if I find myself getting strung out as I have over the past few days, I have to dial it back, to “lean toward earth’s moist green gifts,” which also are made possible by the sun.

Remember also that the sol–stice refers to the stillness or stillpoint of the sun.

Cate Stillman says it, also, and even @ski_yoga_guy, normally known for his arm balances and inversions, is doing stillness today. Please consider this.

 

Also, as an added bonus, enjoy this song by “The Head and the Heart.”

 

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A new cycle

Which way do you run to
Are you coming out or in
When one cycle goes around
Another one begin, begin, begin

This song by Trevor Hall is my “ear worm” right now, because it speaks of change and its cyclical nature. As surely as the seasons, we will pass this way again. A little over two weeks ago we observed the cross–quarter day between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox (Imbolc). We’re more than halfway to astronomical spring. The moon, after having been full on Presidents’ Day, is waxing to fullness.

The most external reason for that has to do starting a new regular class at what is for me a new studio. While I have been subbing since my second shoulder surgery in March 2015, this will be the first time I’ll be on a studio schedule. I’m pleased to report that beginning tonight (Thursdays), at 5:30 PM, I’ll be teaching a class at Discover the Wonders Yoga in Dracut, MA. Dracut is an old–school town full of farmland and hard–working people, right next to the historically industrial town of Lowell. A beautiful community has grown up in that studio. Right down the street there is a conscious café expanding its offerings of fresh, local, organic products. Beyond there is much fertile farmland, some of it being leased to small nonprofits. The people of Dracut are not only hardworking, but politically savvy and well–connected. It’s a very interesting place to find so close to a major city in the northeast corner of a northeastern state.

And I start with a trifecta! As it is school vacation week, I also get to sub at the same time tomorrow night, and at the primo slot on Saturday at 9:30.

It’s a wonderful new beginning that evokes an openness to experience I am already feeling in the rest of my life.

Like my Facebook page in the right sidebar to mark your calendar for events, and be sure to sign up for my e-mail list as well. I’m very happy to be on this journey with you!

21-Day Spring Cleanse and Sugar Detox | Wild Open Heart Charlotte Clews

21–Day Spring Cleanse and Sugar Detox with Charlotte Clews

Oh yes, this is the e-mail I’ve been waiting for. Sign me up!

This cleanse is dedicated to helping you head into the Winter feeling nourished and resilient. The goal is to eat whole-food meals with little or no snacks in between so as to balance your blood sugar, rest your digestion and reset your taste buds. Resting and cleansing your digestive system will help you clear allergies, constipation and skin issues and will help strengthen your immune system so you are less prone to summer allergies and rashes.

This is not a depletion cleanse, we will not be juice fasting or focusing on weight loss.However you can expect to loose some weight simply by clearing out winter’s digestive and cellular waste.

A Spring cleanse is like a good chimney sweep. It makes for a good clear draft and lessens your chance of a chimney fire.

Pre-Register by March 16 and save $25!

via 21-Day Spring Cleanse and Sugar Detox | Wild Open Heart Charlotte Clews.

Ayurveda Guidelines for Winter

It’s about now that many of my students and fellow teachers complain about the winter. It is true that for those of us who live in other than tropical climes, the weather can be hard on us.

But there’s more that we can do than simply wear appropriate clothing. For that I turn to Cate Stillman’s “Winter Day Survival Guide.” And I recommend it to you. Click the image at the top to download the PDF, or click the link below to the page where it may be found.

via Ayurveda Guidelines for Winter.

Online Fall Cleanse and Detox | Charlotte Clews, Yoga and Ayurveda in Maine and Beyond

2013 Fall Cleanse

Since Fall 2010, to better support my yoga practice, I have been doing fall and spring cleanses with the same practitioner. This year, at the prompting of an adventurous yoga friend, I decided to work with a different practitioner. (The buddy system prevails.) To the extent that we are what we eat, I think of this like any other sādhanā, or “practice.” It’s something that has been worked into the seasonal observances of many traditional cultures. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about my experience with this sort of practice.

21-Day Cleanse and Sugar Detox

October 10-31, 2013

Summer heat and acidity gets trapped in the body, making allergies, joint inflammation and tempers flare. It’s important to take time each fall to cool down and clear out your system with a high mineral, super alkalizing, whole foods diet. Sugar is one of the biggest sources of excess acidity in our diets. It can single handedly weaken every system in your body. From premature wrinkles to hypoglycemia and insomnia, from anxiety, loss of focus and mood instability to excess weight and joint pain, sugar is making you who you are, and it’s not for the better.

During this cleanse you’re going to kick the sugar habit for 21-days and feel how good it feels to feel good. (The dates for this cleanse are not coincidental – the Halloween candy-binge is a huge source of late fall and winter illnesses, and this year, you’re not even going to give them a chance!)

via Online Fall Cleanse and Detox | Charlotte Clews, Yoga and Ayurveda in Maine and Beyond.