Spring time in Portland is in full effect. The trees are blooming with bright beautiful colors making it very tempting for me to stop at each corner to take a picture and capture this amazing transformation that happens after many cold and rainy days.
The change feels so drastic that it's almost as though the entire city comes alive after having been dormant throughout the winter months. People are out and about, the hiking areas fill up, camping trips start happening, and lots more bike riding to be had.
It's awesome to experience this external change that directly influences our internal mood and state of being. We humans are deeply impacted by our environment and by how we experience our senses. Spring seems to be one of the seasons that really enhances the senses.
We get to see natures vibrant growth and brilliant colors, we hear the birds chirp their tune of gratitude for the change in climate, we smell the aroma of flowers as we walk by, we taste the freshness of cooler food and drink, and we feel the warmth of the sun on our skin now that we've been able to shed the layers of clothes we no longer need.
In thinking of this season, I have had Ayurveda on my mind. It is an alternative medical system with historical roots from India that actually follows three seasons instead of four. Its practices align with their seasons which they refer to as vata (late fall to early winter), kapha (coldest part of winter into spring), and pitta (late spring into early fall). These seasons are also considered doshas and the Ayurvedic belief is that they govern not only our body constitution, but everything else in the cosmos as well.
Ayurveda therapies and practices are now known in the Western World and are being integrated with general wellness applications for medical use. I was first introduced to Ayurveda by my father who became intrigued by alternative medicine in the early 80's and dedicated much of his life to understanding it in order to help people heal holistically by treating the root of their physical, mental, and emotional problems. He and his wife are committed to living in alignment with Ayurvedic beliefs so much so that they even incorporate it into their wardrobe.
I share this with you because I myself have been following this practice for the last few years and have noticed a positive shift in my overall mood and energy level when I dress in sync with the colors that go with each day of the week. Just as spring makes us feel more energized so do the things that we do for our minds, our bodies, and our spirits to feel more in alignment and in tune with the natural flow of life.
Below is a blurb I found for you to read more on the colors of the week along with a chart of the colors so that you can start following along to see if you notice a difference in your overall state of being. Why not? Surely I'm not the only one who is looking for ways to feel more energized even when it's not spring time. Have fun with it and happy Spring!
*note: Friday is purple day so the chart below is a bit off. Purple power is a must.
A person should wear clothes of appropriate color for each day of the week, in order to absorb the planetary energy in the light in a positive way. For instance, to calm down the mind, which in Vedic astrology relates to the Moon, the person should dress in white clothes on Monday, which is the day of the Moon. Tuesday relates to Mars, so red or orange is the best color on that day. Wednesday is Mercury which is green while Thursday you should dress in yellow and get the blessings of Jupiter. Friday relates to Venus so it is good to wear purple and bright colors. Saturday is the day of Saturn, and best for blue, black, and dark colors. Sunday is a dark red color for the Sun. ~Vasant Lad
