Winter Blues

I have been meaning to write about this for awhile now. Many students have asked me about seasonal effect disorder and some friends experience the CNY winter yucks. So this is for you!

Here are some helpful hints to keep you happy and bright in the cold often overcast months.

1. Awake at the sunrise
Of course we know this is how our ancestors lived but it helps to set our internal clock as well and deepening our own awareness and connection with the sun .There is a sunrise mantra I do in the mornings with the rising of the sun.http://www.agnihotra.org/ Here is a great link for the sunrise an sunset mantras.

2. Surya Namaskar
Classical Sun Salutations not only build heat and warm up the body it is also a complete practice working both the front and back side of the body. Dharma has a great Sun Salutation poster that he hand drew many years ago for a beginner course chart program for his students. You can now buy it as a printed poster atwww.dharmayogacenter.com

3. Infrared Saunas
    They make winter so much more enjoyable and get you sweating and warm to the bone. The heath benefits are unbeatable.http://www.sunlighten.com/

4. Sun bed or Vacation
Okay this is were some of you may freak out but don't give lying in the sun a bad name. If you eat a mostly raw plant diet filled with natural antioxidants and not carcinogenic foods fried,dead etc. a little sun won't hurt. Sometimes when all else fails go south if you can and if vacation isn't in the budget hit a tanning bed. You will feel tons better. I am not saying to go ever day just when you need help or haven't gotten your vitamin D from the sun in  weeks. They have beds now that are for those of you who have fairer skin too. My Veg friends beware of those nasty Vitamin D supplements most of them are NOT from vegetarian sources.

5. Sangha
This is the time to stay connected in your community. Spend time with those who uplift you, and in uplifting environments. Volunteer your time to helping others in some way. Get out of your head and into your heart.

So stay warm in your heart and let your light shine on!