Have you seen "The Avatar" yet? Imagine a world of breathtaking beauty, where nature is alive, where every blade of grass sparkles with inner intelligence; where trees talk and people 

listen.

In a galaxy far far away( sorry, I couldn't help it!), on a strikingly beautiful blue - violet planet of Pandora a bloody conflict between humans and the native population - Navi - is unraveling. Few years ago a rare mineral has been discovered in the soil of the planet and now a full fledged invasion has unfolded, complete with military and machinery the size of Fort McMurrey's.  

 Now picture a spectacular world beyond your imagination. In your body trillion cells, like citizens of your own nation, ward off invaders, maintain inner structures, produce enzymes and hormones, communicate messages while simultaneously tracking the changes in the weather, phases of the moon and the movement of the stars. 

How often do you stop and listen to your body? 

Our family upbringings, chronic illness or pain, the messages from the media have created a culture of alienation from our bodies. Quiet whispers or even loud complaints of communication get lost in the chase for the next "best for you" diet, cure-all supplement touted by the media or "fix it now" visit to a doctor. 

I started this Newsletter with the "The Avatar's" conflict for a reason. It has vividly reminded me of the way I used to treat my body just a few years ago. Neglecting the red and yellow warning flags - the illnesses, injuries, chronic pain, in my mind I just "knew better" - what to do and how to do it. Instead of quietly listening, I have plowed my way through chronic fatigue, insomnia,  on-going digestive problems with the mega-dozes of supplements and a good Russian will power.  Well, at least I have an  experience to share!

 Our bodies are intricately connected with the environment - immediate surrounding and also the rhythm of the starts, sun and nature. Ancient cultures observed the nature moving in continues cycles that flow effortlessly and organically one into another. Tuning into that flow helps us to avoid the ills and the blues of the season. As those cycles - seasons - change, the needs of our bodies also transform. 

 Spring is nature's new year. According to Ayurveda our bodies need a gradual change from heavier, more protein and fat-rich winter diet to a lighter spring fare, featuring spring - harvest foods - fresh salads and sprouts, dark leafy greens and peas as an antidote diet to avoid common occurrence of spring - time colds, sniffles, coughs and allergies.  Our ancestors also used bitter root vegetables, like dandelion or burdock root to detoxify the body. 

Other recommendations are to avoid dairy, reduce the amount of nuts, red meat, oils and heavy of sour fruit - such as oranges, bananas, figs, dates, avocado. More on Spring diet here.

 If you have a yoga practice, now is the time to add more vigorous standing postures, back bends for lung health and twists to ensure the removal of toxins and tone the digestive system. As the days get longer, wake up earlier to welcome the morning sun, participate in outdoor activities and avoid taking naps in the afternoon.

Remember every one of us unique in our own spectacular way. There is no single diet, supplement or exercise plan that works for everybody. As you listen to your body, realize that your inner intelligence already has all the answers.