Early March has been the start of Kapha season around the Great Lakes region of the United States. The slow rebirth of vegetation, the wet slush and mud, and the melting of snow all have Kapha qualities. Kapha is the dosha that is made up of the Water and Earth elements. It’s cool, smooth, wet, thick, and slow. This season continues until the rain starts to feel warmer and the days become drier. So, around the beginning of June for the Great Lakes region.
In our lives, Kapha can be a boon or a burden. It’s great when it’s in balance, just like the other doshas. It can show up as allergies and respiratory problems and it can also bring relief to dry skin. Kapha can manifest as calm or lethargy. High weight issues and water weight are a Kapha related issue as well. Kapha is also the dosha responsible for joint health and adequate cartilage.
In the spring, this season brings the thaw of the earth and the signal that plants and trees should start sending their vitality into their branches again. It has a similar effect on all animals as well, including humans. We move around more, go outside more, and, before modern grocery stores, would be preparing to grow food or searching for fresh vegetation.
By grounding BEFORE Kapha gets here, we can take advantage of this season beautifully. When we ride the waves with Spring and understand that even the earth slowly ramps up, but it doesn’t give up. We can become her witness to this unfolding AND be in on it.
One way to ground is to practice Yoga. Be the witness of the change and frame it in a manner of seeing it for the first time and something you will never see again. Add gentle warmth to your practice via a heater or practicing with holds or a pace that challenge you. Feel your being in this space and time.
Another way is to make sure most of the foods you are eating are still being warmed up and try to avoid cold or cooler than room temperature. This will allow your digestive fires to continue to burn without strain and allow the Kapha elements to flow easily. Avoiding too much salt is important too due to Kapha being responsible for water retention and salt can make it worse.
Get outside to ground! Take a walk, paint a scene, listen to the sounds, etc. Walking Meditations are an excellent practice for so many reasons. In March, we can sometimes get outside comfortably and take in the earth where we’re standing. We can get our bodies moving and practice strengthening our external awareness away from a screen. This is not a run and it’s not a chance to daydream. A Walking Meditation is experiencing the present state of the earth and all it comes with. No headphones 🎧. If you’re disturbed by noises, either hear past them, or choose another location. If you meet someone, show kindness and not indifference, if you can remember.
And lastly, ground by gardening. While the earth might be frozen in some places, it’s definitely a great time to plant! You could seed start indoors a awesome flower species that can’t be found in the nursery. You could order seeds for your favorite peppers or peas to enjoy this summer. You can plant some cold weather crops, like lettuce and spinach once the dirt is workable. You can also start planning a new garden in an area that is not getting any love. 🌱You can partake in the creative growth energy as well as nurture it. Gardening can improve moods, give a sense of purpose (native plants are great for the eco system) and provide you with beauty and fresh snacks/ produce.
SUNYATA YOGA 