Welcome to day 2!

I think that “cleanse” is really a misnomer when describing this process, especially in the fall. That’s why I’ve added “rejuvenation” to how I describe this process. During the fall transition we should focus more on rejuvenation through resting, building tissues, and developing supportive practices for the vata season.

Vata - air and ether - exhibits the qualities of cold, dry, mobile, rough, clear, and light. These qualities, when out of balance, can manifest as restlessness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, overwhelm, and even panic. You might be noticing some of these “symptoms” in your own life right now as we move through the seasonal transition. Change is very provoking for vata.

If you’ve ever experienced any of these “symptoms” you know they can leave you feeling depleted. For this reason, rejuvenation and support are the most important parts of the fall cleanse. Rejuvenation and support help us build resilience, and resistance to the qualities of vata becoming too high.

While intentional rest is often a great way to rejuvenate the body and mind, when we are working with elevated vata sometimes gentle movement is actually what does the trick. Remember, vata is mobile, she likes to move. When we give her some clear boundaries within which she can move we help relax some of her frenetic energy. Today’s practice will help you set those boundaries for vata.

Today we are still in the preparatory phase for the mono-diet. Continue to limit or eliminate your consumption of processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, and start implementing a whole foods, plant based diet as much as you can for the next two days.

After today’s āsana practice sit in contemplation for several minutes considering how and when you use processed junk foods, caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. Often our consumption of these less than healthy products is tied to our emotions - we use these things to numb out and avoid feeling. Start to notice when this is happening, and begin to practice being with your feelings. This week, as you consciously choose to avoid these items, start to notice how you feel. How is your mood? Your energy level? Your digestion?