This past weekend, I attended the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM) conference in Milpitas. Walking through Silicon Valley, surrounded by Indian culture—the food, language, women in saris—I was reminded how naturally Ayurveda and yoga live here. These traditions come from India, but in California, they have not only landed—they’ve evolved. They’re practiced, adapted, and shared in ways that feel very true to this place.
As a third-generation Californian, I feel that personally. This is the environment I’ve grown up in and the one I now practice within.
At the same time, the season is in transition. Early spring can feel unsettled, even in the body. I’ve been waking up with a dry throat, noticing that winter hasn’t fully released, but spring isn’t fully here either. It’s a reminder that momentum outside doesn’t always match the pace within.
The Ayurvedic Lens: Transitioning Between Seasons
Ayurveda pays attention to these in-between times.
The shift from winter to spring isn’t always clean. There can be a mix of heaviness and dryness—kapha (heaviness) lingering, vata (dryness) beginning to rise. Feeling “off” during this seasonal transition is completely normal.
This is also the time when many of us feel pressure to do more: clean, energize, and move forward. But the body has its own timeline, and rushing it often backfires. Paying attention to small signals—like a dry throat, low energy, or restlessness—helps you move with the season instead of against it.
Moving Slowly and Practicing Rest
This week, I’ve been moving more slowly. Not because things are quiet—there’s plenty to do—but because slowing down feels right. A bit less urgency, a bit more attention to how I’m actually feeling.
After Monday night’s yoga nidra class, a few of us stayed and talked. It was a small group, but the conversation lingered. People shared how restorative the practice feels, and how different it is from the more athletic styles of yoga that are common. This kind of practice might be exactly what’s needed during this seasonal transition.
Discovering Maharishi Ayurveda
At the conference, I also came across Maharishi Mahesh Yogi—the teacher who introduced The Beatles to meditation—who played a major role in bringing Ayurveda to the U.S. through Maharishi Ayurveda, still based in Iowa today. I picked up a few of their products—soaps, toothpaste, a Digestive Remedy for my daughter Arielle, and Triphala Rose remedy for myself—and it felt like a small but meaningful reminder of how these traditions travel and take shape in different places. These items will likely be coming soon to the Folk Yoga shops.
Reflection Question
Where might you benefit more from rest than from effort right now?
Seasonal Offering: Yoga Nidra & Meditation
My Monday night yoga nidra class will be shifting soon—moving to Thursday evenings and adding Yoga & Meditation on some nights. It’s a natural change with the season.
If you’ve been curious, or feel like you need something restorative right now, you’re very welcome to join.
Want to Go Deeper?
You can always:
- Book a free intro call
- Reply to this blog (I love hearing what resonates)
- Join a class or upcoming offering
With warmth,
Marisa
P.S. If this resonated, feel free to forward it to someone who might enjoy it. They can join the mailing list here: https://ayurvedasleepsnack.com/
P.P.S. For more like this, check out my blog: What Is Ayurveda?
