grounding the WINDS so you can hold the FIRE

Fiery. Intense. Sharp. Transformative.

This is the energy our tweens and teens are steeping in as they cross the sacred threshold into puberty. In last week’s newsletter/blog post, we explored this shift through the Ayurvedic lens — a move into the Pitta stage of life, where fire rules.

It’s a powerful transition, and not always easy to hold space for.

But what if you are crossing a threshold, too?

Many women begin the journey into perimenopause 8–10 years before menopause - often in the early-to-mid 40s. (And if you’re not in this stage yourself, but love someone who is, keep reading....there’s wisdom here for you, too!)

In Ayurveda, this stage of life is ruled by Vata - the dosha of air and ether. Think wind, movement, and change.

When Vata is balanced, it brings:

- Creativity
- Intuition
- Spiritual insight
- A lightness of being

But when Vata is out of balance, you might feel:

- Scattered thoughts
- Anxiety, irritability or depression
- Insomnia or erratic sleep
- Dryness (skin, joints, digestion, libido)
- Cycles that feel anything but regular  
 

Sound familiar?

I’m 43, and I’m just starting to feel the breeze of this transition. It’s subtle, but it’s real.

Just like our teens, we’re shedding old layers and becoming someone new.

And yes...it can feel like a lot! 

So here you are...your teen is full of fire - pushing boundaries, hungry for identity and independence.


And you? You’re riding the wind - craving space, meaning, and quiet.

You’re not just parenting your child.  You’re parenting yourself through a sacred evolution.

So how do we ground the winds so we can hold the fire?

Here are a few Ayurvedic practices to help soothe Vata, so you can stay anchored while they burn bright:

Favor Warmth
Choose warm teas, soups, and cooked foods with grounding spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cumin. And don’t forget emotional warmth — seek cozy routines, loving connections, and kind self-talk.

Sleep Like It’s Sacred
Vata throws sleep off balance. Prioritize rest: screen-free evenings, early bedtimes, and warm oil foot rubs can deeply restore your nervous system.

Stay Oily
Daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with sesame or almond oil calms the mind and nourishes the body. Touch is medicine.

Make Space for Spirit
Your soul is speaking louder now. Listen through journaling, breathwork, prayer, or stillness. Let spirit anchor you.

Rhythm is Medicine
Vata needs routine. Simple daily anchors, like regular meals and consistent sleep/wake times, offer profound grounding.

Honor the Season
Autumn and winter are Vata seasons — dry, light, mobile. These external winds amplify your inner ones. All the more reason to tend to yourself gently.
 

You don’t have to be perfect.  You just have to be present.

Your steadiness teaches them grounding.

Your self-care models self-respect.

Your growth gives them permission to become who they are meant to be.

They are becoming fire.

You are becoming air.

And together, you're forging a new season of family life — rooted in truth, tenderness, and transformation.

So take a deep breath, sip something warm, and remember - this threshold is sacred.

You’re not losing your mind...you’re meeting your wisdom.

With love & luminosity,
Shannon