Oatmeal for Vata season

I hope you’ve been enjoying the gentle shift in nature these past few weeks as we have officially transitioned into fall. Autumn doesn’t only bring the cooler months and drier air (and skin!), it’s also the start of Vata season in Ayurveda. This season is comprised of the elements air + ether and the corresponding qualities like dry, rough, movement and cold. This shift in season is reflected in our bodies and minds and it can lead us to sometimes feel a little scattered or spacey; hence why we tend to love shifting back into a routine this time of the year!

This shift in temperature can also cause us to become a bit out of balance. If you’re looking to dive a little deeper into Ayurvedic traditions with me, this is a fantastic oatmeal recipe to really ground yourself and get your digestive tract moving in tune with nature to balance Vata. 

TURMERIC GINGER OATMEAL
2 cups water
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
½ cup raisins or chopped pitted dates
1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
(or ½ tsp ground ginger)
1 inch fresh turmeric root, grated
(or ½ tsp turmeric powder)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ghee (or coconut oil)
pink salt
coconut flakes

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the grated ginger and turmeric root to steep like a tea for 2-3 minutes before adding in the oats. The water will turn a golden colour, once it does stir in the oats and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until liquid is almost fully absorbed. Add the raisins in at the end and remove from heat. Stir in the remaining spices. Transfer to a bowl, top with a spoonful of ghee/oil, a sprinkling of pink salt and a handful of coconut flakes.
Note: If you’re using ground spices, skip the first step of steeping the roots and add the ground spices in at the end instead.
Makes 1-2 servings source: https://vidyaliving.com

If you’re a teacher looking to balance the dryness of vata season with much needed nourishment, grounding and warmth, I have a few courses coming up that will provide just that. If you feel the calling to deepen your own practice (and that of your students), there are a few opportunities to do so over the next few weeks!

On Wednesday, September 28th & Wednesday, October 5th, from 6 - 9PM I will be leading a Hands-On Enhancements for Yoga Teachers at PranaShanti in Ottawa. This 5-hour mini course will give you a solid foundation in the offering of hands-on support to students and the ethical considerations involved. You will gain more confidence as a teacher and practitioner. You will cultivate your skills in a supportive, practical, hands-on environment where you will watch, practice and make notes on detailed demonstrations before giving and receiving enhancements with fellow course participants.

Then on Friday, September 30th at 6:30 PM - Sunday, October 2nd at 6:00 PM, I will be leading a Yin + Aroma: Hips and Single Oils training at my oasis of a studio in Aylmer. This  25-hour training is designed to teach you how to teach Yin Yoga and use Essential Oils to enhance the practice. I’ve combined my passion for essential oils with these luxuriously unhurried yoga experiences and my yin + aroma workshops and classes were born. I was blown away by the positive response and am ready to share the method I have developed over the past eight years with others.

I wish you a smooth transition into Vata season and hope to see you on the mat soon!