Half way through autumn and we’re feeling the kind of cold snap that wakes us up out of summer dreaming. As proof, the fireplace is stoked tonight, and I’m comfy on my iPad in front of it.
It never occurred to me when I first started doing yoga that regions, weather and seasons might have such a big impact on how, when and what practice you do. I guess I was naive.
When I went to India in the eighties during the monsoon, it hit me that certain practices are a good fit for the sort of extremes of weather that you get on the subcontinent. Later, I read a wonderful article by Geeta Iyengar which categorized yoga practice according to one’s Ayurvedic doshas (constitutional tendencies). She explained in detail how the doshas were influenced by the six seasons of India. Yes, that’s right – six: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, pre-winter and winter.
As we move into cooler weather, it’s the vata dosha that may become disturbed, and especially by high gusts of winds that we experienced today.
So, what’s a yogi to do?
Dr. David, author of Yoga For Your Type, recommends:

practicing in a quiet, systematic and grounded way, building core strength and maintaining flexibility. Balancing strength and flexibility is critical. Vata types must work with the breath and hold poses longer than they are inclined to do. Remaining still is the ultimate vata challenge.

For tomorrow’s blog, I’ll pass on some vata-reducing poses in one of Frawley’s “instant change programs”.