Feel The Shift In The Air?
Aug 30, 2026
Moving through late August into September, summertime lingers for most of us... but... our subtle awareness informs us that shifts are afoot.
In Sanskrit, shifts from one thing to another are called Sandhis - or the connection space.
The Sandhis between seasons are never actually sudden, they are more subtle, generally occurring over many weeks. Our job is to pay attention and be in the conversation with the natural world. We get to tend to the shifts within ourselves as they align with the elemental relationships of the seasons.
The Sandhi from Summer to Autumn is especially poignant if you are navigating the menopausal transition, because just like this particular shift, perimenopause is a transition from Pitta stage of life into Vata stage of life.
Are you noticing any of these subtle shifts in the environment lately?
- The light is different - softer and more gentle at dawn and dusk.
- The sunrise is later and the sunset is a noticeably earlier.
- The winds feel more drying and cool.
- Dawn and dusk are cooler.
In the body we may notice a dance between the heat of Pitta and the dryness of Vata. Are any of these experiences resonating with you lately (these are symptoms that move from Pitta into Vata)?
- Skin- dry, red, or flaky
- Digestion - reflux or bloating
- Energy - feeling wired or depleted
- Joints - inflamed or stiff & dry
- Sleep - hot/racing mind or light/broken sleep
Gradually, we shift the focus from cooling practices of Summer to hydrating and more deeply nourishing practices of Autumn. We do this so we can stay healthy through the Winter and not carry any imbalances with us from the Summer.
This healing shift is best done through an intentional reset, where we go through 4 steps:
- Cleanse - clear Pitta imbalances, excess heat, and rein in the summertime indulgences.
- Nourish - shift the diet to support the cooler, drier season and rebuild the digestive fire to create robust vitality.
- Move - focus on intentional yogic practices, calendar integrity, and space clearing.
- Elevate - cultivate meditation, awareness, and insights that can lead to positive shifts in your life.
May you be nourished and aware through this Sandhi!
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