November: Like the Wind
YASSSS, Vata is still reigning queen! Cold, windy & dry. Sound familiar? Hold tight to that scarf, brew some more tea, indulge in unctuous soups, and ground yo’ self.
Favor warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cumin, and bay. Avoid cold and raw foods—save those salads for summer!
Autumn reminds us to slow down, root into the earth, turn our attention inward, and release what is no longer serving us. This is the time to set an intention (sankalpa), create space to welcome positive change…..and to go buy yourself a cute hat! We’re in this now. You may as well do it with a little flare.
Jupiter Moving Into Pisces
Adiós, Aquarius! Move over for Pisces. Feeling completely over the tension of the past year? Me! I am. I also love giving good news, and relief is on the horizon!
Are you interested in learning more about your own astrological chart? Contact Lisa directly for a one-on-one session. She’ll tap into your personal chart, what it means, and what you can expect over the coming months.
lisa.delafleur@gmail.com
Abhyanga (Self Oil Massage)
Abhyanga is a deeply restorative self oil massage designed to rejuvenate and nourish the body. Incorporating warm herbal oil and rhythmic strokes, this therapy relaxes the nervous system, restores the skin’s youthful glow, tones the tissues, removes blockages & toxins, improves rest, strengthens immunity, balances hormones & positive emotions, reduces pain/stiffness, decreases facial wrinkles, and supports hair health. Yes, please!
Clean-up Care:
Ayurveda LOVES oil! Over time, that oil can accumulate in your tub & drain—here are a couple of options to prevent any problems:
•Pour 1/4 cup dish soap into the drain followed by 3 cups boiling water. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes and flush down with warm water.
•Pour 1 Tbsp baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar into the drain. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes and flush down with warm water.
Visit these websites for Abhyanga massage oil:
Paavani Ayurveda: https://paavaniayurveda.com/
NĀO Ayurveda: https://www.naoayurveda.com/
MAMĀYURVEDA Medicinals: https://mamayurvedamedicinals.com/
Ahimsa Herbals: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AhimsaHerbals?ref=nla_listing_details
Banyan Botanicals: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=massage+oil
Grab a comfortable blanket, dim the lights, settle in and give your body & mind a much needed break with this Yoga Nidra recording. Savor the stillness & enjoy.
Releasing Ritual
The energy of the Autumn season is all about releasing. Releasing requires us to compassionately look inward, assess what is standing in our way, observe what is no longer serving us, and acknowledge what might be causing harm….and let that shit go. Finding a healthy balance in life sometimes requires shedding, so that we may transform & grow.
Autumn is also the time to celebrate gratitude for the abundance in our lives. And I’m sure you have a lot! So, harness those positive vibrations & remain open to receiving more. Remain open to what your transformation might look like.
Because of the expansive and illuminating energy, the night of the Full Moon (November 19) is always a primo opportunity for a releasing ritual. However, it’s more important that it’s done with the right intention, so choosing a day and time that works with your schedule (and mood) will still be effective.
What You Need:
•Candle
•Matches
•Pen & paper
•Pot
•Sage -or- salt water
What To Do:
Find a quiet, comfortable space either inside or outside. Take a few moments to become present in the space, leaving the chaos of the day behind. Feel your body on the ground, breathe slowly, and set an intention to remove negative energy & invite in positive change.
From a place of groundedness, light the sage and wave the smoke around your body -or- if you prefer the salt water method, sprinkle the salt water around your body. Next, light the candle and repeat your intention three times. Your intention can be very specific & personal -or- it can be something general (yet meaningful) such as, “May I be open, clear, and connected.”
Using the pen and paper, begin writing all the things you’d like to release to make room for positivity. It can be anything!
•Boundaries you’d like to create
•Unhealthy patterns you’d like to release (emotional eating, reassuring others you’re “fine” when you’re not, etc.)
•A belief about yourself that needs to be destroyed (you’re not beautiful, intelligent, funny, etc.)
•Any grudges?
•Relationships that need to be reevaluated
•Hobbies or commitments that no longer align with who you are
•Objects that hold an unhealthy attachment
•ANYTHING!
Just keep writing. Write it all out.
When your list feels complete, read it out loud. Begin each item with, “ I release my attachment to/belief of/pattern of/etc.” Take your time, read slowly, and pause between each item. Be present with yourself, and the space that surrounds.
Now, hold the paper to your heart. Say something to acknowledge the items written—addressing how they once had a place in your life, but now it’s time for their release. It might sound something like this, “Thank you for showing me my strength, my resilience, and for guiding me to the path I’d like to walk. I am ready to release you.”
Light the paper in the pot, and watch the list burn.
Celebrate! Dance, scream, cry, shake your body….do whatever feels good in the moment.
Notice how you feel. Is there a sense of lightness? Emptiness? Fear? Excitement? Where in your body do you feel a shift?
Hold space for yourself. Be gentle. Change is difficult. When doubt or fear creep in, come back to a place of groundedness and presence. You are strong & resilient. You’re walking the path you’re meant to be walking. You’ve got this.