The northern hemisphere part of the world is getting ready for the winter solstice. The shortest, darkest day of the year will begin to descend upon us and bring the cold wintry air with it. Brrrrrrr! It’s so cold this week and we’ll get a blanket of snow twice! Fingers crossed! That is an increase of kapha outside. Cold, wet, heavy…I better get a jump ahead of the weather or I’ll be dragged down in my kapha-isms, if I may make up an “ism”.

When the weather outside is frightful, how do I keep Kapha in check? How can I ensure I feel kapha-tastic? I make sure I’m moving and grooving! I work out with my husband at 5 am lifting weights followed by walking on the treadmill or bike for 30 min. I follow that with a yoga practice with no mind on time. I’ll just move the way my body craves. Lots of forward folds, vinyasas, side bends, and child’s pose. I find movement counteracts my want to be lazy.

I had a very balanced weekend. My dogs and I walked around the county lake, I visited with my dad, me and my daughter decorated sugar cookies, I read two books, and I found time for yoga and meditation. I’m enjoying utilizing my healing bowl as I settle to meditate daily. It’s so important for me to clear my head and begin the day again. So freeing! Kaphas tend to hold onto stuff that doesn’t serve them. I readily admit that is me all day! If I’m cleaning my mind, life, closets, and my car; I have a better,  healthier mindset. Plus, I can find my stuff quicker! Winning!

When I begin to feel the winter blues, I will steep me a tea with St. John’s Wort and Chamomile. Yum yum! I will pour this into my to go cup and get winter ready in my gear and go for a walk. I must get into this weather and enjoy nature. I need a refueling, if you must know. Refueling prana is amazing! Prana is the life force of everything. The trees, birds, squirrels, water flowing, wind moving, the earth rotating. Deep breaths in as I pause by a creek listening to the water flow heavily over rocks, it tickles. Life is truly abundant in my heart and soul. I am alive!

I also find the air drier. My hair feels drier and definitely my skin! I like to make my own body butter with my herbal oils, Shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils. I’ve been digging peppermint, eucalyptus, ylang ylang, rosemary, and vanilla. Yum yum! I’ll pay attention to all my limbs and really massage the oils in with all the caring love my hands can muster. I also add oil onto my scalp and hair ends a few times per week. I’ll brush it through and braid my hair for the day. I’ll wash it out in a bath later that evening. It really helps keep my hair shiny and moisturized!

So, to wrap up my post, in the longer, darker, winter days I do not stay on the couch and get lost in my thoughts and dreams. I must get up and move, I keep clutter at bay (not only my closets and pantry, but my mind too!), I get outside into the elements and breathe in all the prana I can handle, and I self massage with oils. I also eat seasonally and include all 6 tastes. If I’m feeling overly kapha then I will use food/spices that counteract it. We’ll discuss that Wednesday (also, the winter solstice!) over CCF tea😘

All the love, all the blessings💗

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenapè Spiritual Yogi Awakened.