the slow embrace
Ahhh, Fall! Neutral tones, apple picking, scarves, cinnamon scented everything! Just like you… we’re here for it. But contrary to what the pumpkin-spiced marketing campaigns of the world may have you thinking, seasons don’t change overnight. Transitioning from one season to the next is a process and one that’s meant to be gradual. The practice of Ayurveda has a word for this transition: rutu sandhi, it's defined as the time between two seasons, which generally consists of the final 15 days of one season and the first 15 days of the next. This unique time “between” offers a great opportunity to switch out the old season’s clothes, food, lifestyle, and attitudes for a fresh new start. Generally we think in food terms, for instance, trading your tomatoes for squash or leafy greens for root veggies. As our bellies are craving warm foods and flavors we too notice our bodies craving cozy surroundings and nourishing practices.
So this month, as the weather cools down and our bodies slow down, we are sharing some of the practices we’re incorporating into our routines for the season ahead. Instead of rushing towards what’s next, let’s try to slow down and embrace what’s in “between”.
"Care + Nourish" is our unofficial theme for the month of October and below you’ll find three easy ways to do just that. We hope you give one of them a try.
Improved sleep, and reduced stress are just a few of the benefits linked to aromatherapy. One creative way to invite calming aromas into your space – free of chemicals and artificial ingredients is with a seasonal simmer pot. Much like a steeped tea, you can use almost any combination of natural ingredients you have on hand. Dried herbs, spices, essential oils and/or fruits. Here’s our idea of the perfect fall simmer pot:
a small pot or saucepan for simmering
3 slices of dried oranges or the peel of 1 orange
3 slices of fresh apple, sliced crosswise
2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
3 cloves
enough water to cover the ingredients
Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over low heat until simmering. Let simmer for a few hours, adding water when needed.
Dry brushing. Have you heard of it? Have you tried it? It has been used for centuries to keep the body healthy, and for good reason. Known to exfoliate and condition the body by sweeping away potentially pore-clogging dead cells and boosting circulation, dry brushing helps improve the appearance of your skin leaving it looking smoother and more radiant. Most importantly, dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system to help it more effectively flush unwanted toxins from the body. Because dry brushing energizes and stimulates the body, it’s best to incorporate into your morning routine. All you’ll need is two minutes and a natural bristled skin brush.
Use long light strokes starting at your feet and always working towards your heart. When you get to your abdomen, brush in a circular motion. The same for your chest, except downward, again, towards your heart.
More layers + cold, dry air = dull skin. Eliminate dead skin cells and increase circulation from the inside out with this favorite fall ritual.
A common remedy for sleeplessness is warm milk. Wind down and set the tone for a good nights rest with this supercharged dairy free milk blend of anti-inflammatory turmeric, ashwaganda and warming spices that give you all the fall feels.
1 cup plant based milk (almond, hemp, tigernut)
1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon honey, preferably raw
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground ashwagandha
Optional:
pinch of: ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground nutmeg or
freshly ground black pepper
Whisk all ingredients together in a small sauce pan over low heat until warm.
