To balance Kapha is to invite lightness, movement, and renewal into the body and spirit.

Some part of me tracks them even when I am asleep. I’m awake now, but before I open my eyes, I reach for them with my senses. Sight isn’t very useful at this time. I know the state of them mostly by smell. For now, they smell earthy and a little sweet; no sourness or sharp pungency to send alarm bells racing through my blood.

She is a great mother. Her fire is the fierce protection of life. When threatened, she rises like a mountain of earth—vast, immovable. Her power pours outward as love, a river forever flowing. Despite her great size, she moves with the swiftness of wind when she must. Within her lives the potency of emptiness, and she is strengthened by the nourishment of all the elements.

Transformation happens long before it is visible.

Ghee is one of Ayurveda’s most treasured winter medicines because it is, quite literally, liquid sunlight transformed through plants and animals. Grass absorbs the summer rays and is eaten by the cow, who turns it into milk. Humans separate the milk into butter, and finally clarify it into a refined, golden nourishment. In the dark season, eating ghee is a way of feeding our inner radiance and weaving a thread through the seasons of Mother Nature.

Winter is a discerning ruler of life and death with a surprising alchemy. It sends us on a journey which belies refinement and valor when we travel the path wisely. The dark and cold are a sharp knife that prunes and consolidates the life-force. This may feel harsh but it can clarify what is of essence and awaken our dreams. In winter, the element of fire stoked in the hearth, kindled in our bellies, and nested in starlight becomes central and sacred.  If we weather winter well, we emerge more rooted, more resilient and more awake than when we began. 

Homemade cough drops to soothe a sore throat and cough.

As the North Wind settles on the mountain for a deep, cold winter, we stock the fires of good health. We want to retain our body warmth as a much a possible so our body can use our energy for strong digestion, full circulation and immunity. If we are getting chilled frequently, our energy goes to just keeping us warm instead of these more optimal modes of the body. Take extra care to protect your head and feet; wrap them in wool and keep socks and hats on inside until you feel a little too warm. Focus on keeping warm by boosting digestion and circulation. Drink and eat every thing warmed up and this is the time to enjoy chilies, pepper and spices that all kindle the digestive fire.