For those that are fortunate enough to have Kapha in their body constitution know that winter is a time of suffering during the wintery, cold and wet months of Kapha season simply because the warm, cozy bed just feels entirely too good to get up some mornings!   Kapha represents solidity, energy of structure and lubrication in the body.  Think earth.  Cold.  Damp.  Thick.  Kapha is a grounding force in even the most prevailing of Vata winds.  Winter into early spring, the Ayurvedic rule is to cater to Kapha.  By accommodating Kapha with just a few of the following tips the body stays invigorated:  

To keep Kapha in check:

Stick to a vigorous exercise during Kapha time of day - 6 a.m.- 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. (now is the time to HOT YOGA!) 
Be sure to be awake by sunrise - although sleeping in feels like a good idea this is a crucial no! no! 
Eat Kapha legumes like black beans, kidney beans and red lentils which are light, warming and dry foods.
Choose astringent, bitter and pungent tastes like chili flakes, basil, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, lemon and garlic.
Avoid iced beverages.
Avoid all dairy and fatty foods.
Give nightly food at least 3 hours to digest before bedtime.

Stimulating essential oils like peppermint, lemon and wintergreen are excellent for Kapha time of the year.  

Don't let the cold keep you down ---only 8 weeks until spring! 

Namaste. 

Taylor 

"I love Ted Andrew’s books on animal symbolism. On eagles he writes, "they will teach a balance of being of the earth but not in it." In Eagle pose, Garudasana, one foot is rooted into the earth as the body spirals upwards to the sky. I would say this pose lives up to its name. To balance in this pose start standing and trace your centerline: top tip of your head and down your spine. Tip your torso forward to wrap your arms tightly. To get a tighter wrap in the legs sit lower and lift your top knee higher before you wrap. Breathe and feel one foot rooting into the earth and your heart and fingertips lifting towards the sky.