January: MINDFUL Manifestations

Daily Routines:

The winter season often brings about weather instabilities—and with weather instabilities, there’s a higher chance of mind-body imbalances. During a time characterized by strong Vata & Kapha influences, as it swings from dry & windy to wet & heavy, it can be difficult to remain aligned with the rhythms of nature. Which is why creating a daily rhythm is so important. Our bodies LOVE rhythm! Now’s the time to tap into yours. 

Having a strong daily routine with balancing practices (dinacharya) will offer a sense of stability, encourage mood balance, increase mental clarity, decrease stress, and support digestion. Yes, all these things! Plus more. 

Because change is hard, starting slow is important. Begin small & add on as it begins to feel more natural & habitual. Below is a guide for an early morning daily practice of tongue scraping, oil pulling, and warm water drinking. Over the next several months, we’ll begin adding more practices to slowly integrate into your day. But, let’s start here! With the mouth. Because Girl, I know you’ve got lots to say! Now you can say it with a clean, biome-balanced, enzyme-activated, fresh mouth.

Tongue Scraping & Oil Pulling

What’s all this tongue scraping talk? Lemme tell ya! Tongue scraping (jihwa prakshalana) is an Ayurveda-loving dinacharya (daily practice) that gently removes undigested food particles, dead epithelial cells and toxic buildup. The back of the tongue provides a favorable environment for anaerobic bacteria which are known to cause an unhealthy oral habitat—tooth decay, gum disorders, plaque accumulation, periodontal ailments, as well as many systemic pathologies root from this type of breeding bacteria. Gross and no, thank you! From the food & beverages we ingest, topical applications, the environment, metabolic waste, to even our unresolved emotions—our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins. Daily. On the regular. This constant assault of toxins makes it especially important for proper digestion & elimination to help support a balanced & vibrant biome. Every aspect of our body is beautifully & intricately interconnected; Scraping your tongue stimulates the taste buds, the taste buds stimulate your organs, which then stimulates your digestion (agni). Lots of stimulation! And we all know, Ayurveda is all about that digestion. Oral health is also connected to cardio health. Just say’n. 

For an even fresher mouth, you can oil pull (gandusha kriya) for 5-10 minutes after tongue scraping. Coconut, sesame or sunflower oil are all great options for oil pulling. Personally, I prefer coconut oil for the pleasant taste, but use what’s best for you. Gently swishing the oil around your mouth activates enzymes in the saliva that absorb toxins, generates antioxidants that destroy bacteria, while simultaneously protecting the teeth from plaque formation. I’m telling ya! Grab that oil and get swish’n. 

What To Do: 

 Step 1: Tongue scraping is best done first thing in the morning before eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. Scrape from the back of the tongue toward the tip of the tongue approximately 7-10 times, rinsing between scrapes.

Step 2: Follow it up with 5-10 minutes of oil pulling, using 1 Tbsp of oil (your preference). When finished, ensure you spit the oil into the trash (don’t swallow) & rinse with warm water. ***Brush your teeth before -or- after oil pulling. Dealer’s choice!

Step 3: Finish by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon. This is a great way to add in a mini morning detox that supports clear & healthy skin, helps balance pH & boosts digestion (which in turn boosts your immunity). That’s a lot packed into one glass of (warm) water! It’s a simple ritual with so many benefits. 

Now that you’re done…feel the freshness! Ahhhh, yes. And don’t forget to do it tomorrow. 

Dance of Opposing Energies

As Mercury goes retrograde in Capricorn & Aquarius, we’ll be experiencing a dance of opposing energies. As our perceptions change, it’s time to think more intuitively, reflect on our past, refine what we’ve learned, and create more discipline in areas we’d like to see change. Ask yourself where you’d like more freedom & self-expression—Because that’s where the heart & soul is! As Mercury goes retrograde, it’s time to reflect, revisit, refine…and express yourself. 

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

Sacred Stillness

As the world around you demands to know your New Year’s Resolution (which is almost always centered around losing weight), I encourage you to ditch the resolution, to love your body, and embrace mindful intentions instead. You’re welcome! Best news you’ve heard, amiright? Wintertime is best spent in rest, reflection & sacred stillness. There is power in going inwards & observing the direction of your life. Spring is the time for action. Not winter. Now is the time to build strength, to become clear in your intention, to foster internal shifts, and….yes, to rest. 

Brew some hot tea, light some incense (or not), and create an inviting space to sit and reflect. Whatever that looks like for you! Consider the elements of your life that are most important to you. What brings you joy? Where would you like to invite in more freedom & self-expression? Where would you benefit from more discipline? What ignites that fire & passion? What are the ways that you feel seen and heard? What are the ways you want to feel more seen and heard? 

Write a list of your intentions, desires, thoughts, and reflections. Don’t forget to write something lovely about yourself. Possibly share the list with someone who will offer love, support and encouragement. Nurture the seed! Come spring, it’ll need the energy to burst forth. 

There’s often a tendency to become self-critical when we allow ourselves to reflect & observe. Be kind to yourself! Change is difficult, and it all begins with love and awareness. Offer yourself space for both.

Guided Body Awareness Meditation

Create a comfy & inviting space on your floor (or bed), settle in, gently bring your attention to your body, and let the stress of the day go. Be here now, and savor the stillness.

Kapha Churna Recipe

Calling all spices! This time of year, spices are a much needed part of our day. They’re not only tasty and bring a dish to life, but they’re packed with benefits, too. The spices in this Kapha Churna help boost digestion, break down mucous, improve circulation, enhance nutrient absorption, promote liver detox, purify the blood, and support elimination. Plus, they brighten the mood & taste sooo good. 

The heavy & damp qualities in the external environment cause the same reaction internally. As Kapha begins to increase in our bodies, it’s common to notice mind-body heaviness & congestion, lack of motivation, attachment, and a general feeling of meh. Including sharp, light, pungent & warming spices (and food) into the diet will help counteract and balance the heaviness of mind & body. And let’s be honest, the soul could use a little uplifting, too. Bring out the spices!

What You Need:

1 Tbsp coriander

1 Tbsp turmeric

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp ginger

2 1/4 tsp clove

1 1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

For a savory/sultry variation, you can include:

2 1/4 tsp cumin

1 1/2 tsp fenugreek

1 tsp mustard seed powder

How To Use: 

•Add a little jazz to your favorite dishes or salad dressings

•Churna Cocktail: add to warm plant-based milk for a cozy bedtime beverage (it’s best to avoid cow’s milk during Kapha season as it increases congestion)

Feeling meh’ about making your own? That’s cool! It is Kapha season, after all. Check out these businesses who’ve done the work for you: 

Maharishi AyurVeda: www.mapi.com

Svastha Ayurveda: www.svasthaayurveda.com

The Kitchen Imp: www.thekitchenimp.com