Ayurveda can be overwhelming, and confusing when you first start learning about it. The practices might seem out there, or be counter advice to what you've always heard. How do you go about uprooting all of what you thought was true to explore this new subject? That is where I was at when I first learned about Ayurveda. I still struggle with transitioning all of my practices to an Ayurvedic one, I just love my cup of coffee to start my day. Well I want to share a few ways with you on where to start. I learned Ayurveda from a feminine form. Which means less rules, and more flow. I want you to listen to your intuition as you read the suggestions and decide what would be best for you to start 10 Practices to examine 1. Your 5 Senses This is one of my personal favorites as it's so easy to do for anyone. I have my son learning some of these techniques as well. Taste - Try and taste the 6 flavors according to Ayurveda during your meals. The 6 tastes are- bitter, sour, astringent, p...
“When the emotional heart is balanced, one gains pure knowledge,
the desires of the mind are always righteous, and one experiences unbounded bliss.”
Sushruta Samhita
Digesting Our Experiences …
the desires of the mind are always righteous, and one experiences unbounded bliss.”
Sushruta Samhita
Digesting Our Experiences …
Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. One of the characteristics
of modern life is that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate.
However, the wise resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic
rush of everyday life. In the last 150 years, our relationship with time
has radically changed. That said, our ability to metabolize our daily
experiences have also changed greatly. In a way, the body metabolizes
the emotional content and feeling of every experience. With increased
demands of daily living and limited time for oneself, it may be begging
the question – are we metabolizing and digesting our emotions of
everyday life adequately?
The science of Ayurveda commonly talks about “Ojas”
as being the end-product of perfect digestion. However, digestion in
terms of Ayurveda has a profound meaning. This implies properly
digesting all that nourishes us; including everyday experiences of life
[i.e. thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc.]. Nearly all Ayurvedic
treatment is designed to increase the abundance of superior quality of
ojas and to avoid reducing ojas – as ojas is considered central to
restoring health and preventing illness. Similarly, ojas is thought to
be the most important element which designs and shapes the influence our
experiences creates upon the mind.
The Mind Is Everything
The ancient teachings of Ayurveda talks in-depth about the profound relationship of the mind’s influence upon the body. These very teachings are thought to reflect the long-lived traditions and principles for upholding a healthy body and sound mind.
The ancient teachings of Ayurveda talks in-depth about the profound relationship of the mind’s influence upon the body. These very teachings are thought to reflect the long-lived traditions and principles for upholding a healthy body and sound mind.
Factors Which Increase Ojas:
– wholesome food and healthy digestion
– love and compassion
– being positive and having self-control
– respect towards others and oneself
– cleanliness and simplicity
– selfless service [i.e. charity]
– wholesome food and healthy digestion
– love and compassion
– being positive and having self-control
– respect towards others and oneself
– cleanliness and simplicity
– selfless service [i.e. charity]
Ancient teachings of many cultures have always discussed the dynamic
relationship between thoughts and feelings and its effects upon the
body. Let the ancient inner laughter which resides deep within you guide
you into a state of perfect health and happiness.
The “Inner Pharmacy” Of Wellness
It is now well known that the body has its own ‘inner pharmacy’ within and our nervous system produces substances and neuropeptides that influence our immunity and sense of well-being. For example, laughter is thought to reduce levels of stress hormones and increase the activity of immune cells such as T cells, natural killer cells and even antibodies. The inner pharmacy of all experiences are dormant within us and the release of these neuropeptides affects the whole body, moment-to-moment.
It is now well known that the body has its own ‘inner pharmacy’ within and our nervous system produces substances and neuropeptides that influence our immunity and sense of well-being. For example, laughter is thought to reduce levels of stress hormones and increase the activity of immune cells such as T cells, natural killer cells and even antibodies. The inner pharmacy of all experiences are dormant within us and the release of these neuropeptides affects the whole body, moment-to-moment.
Positive Emotions
Positive emotions like love. laughter and appreciation release beneficial neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which helps to create a healthy immune system.
Positive emotions like love. laughter and appreciation release beneficial neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which helps to create a healthy immune system.
Negative Emotions
Negative emotions like fear, hate, and anger release stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine and epineprhine which can [over time] lead to mental depression and even result in the suppression of our immune system.
Negative emotions like fear, hate, and anger release stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine and epineprhine which can [over time] lead to mental depression and even result in the suppression of our immune system.
Tips For Slowing Down
Rasayana is an Ayurvedic concept which has several meanings. The most basic implication is to increase longevity while improving the quality of life. There are many forms of rasayana in Ayurveda – one being “behavioral rasayana” which recognizes the effect of mind upon health.
Rasayana is an Ayurvedic concept which has several meanings. The most basic implication is to increase longevity while improving the quality of life. There are many forms of rasayana in Ayurveda – one being “behavioral rasayana” which recognizes the effect of mind upon health.
1. Do less. It’s often a struggle to slow down
knowing there are a million other things to do. However, make the
conscious effort to do less while focusing on what’s really important
while letting go of all the rest. Letting go often creates the space to
fully digest the present moment and helps to bring clarity to see the
next necessity as it arises.
2. Be present. Not only does one need to slow down
but what is of more importance is the sense of awareness that naturally
arises as one lets go of all other distractions. Therefore, by letting
do – there is a spontaneous arising of awareness to the present
environment within and around you.
3. Appreciate Nature. Modern living often keeps us
confined in our homes and offices or traveling about in cars and trains –
rarely do we get the opportunity to be outside in nature. Therefore,
make the opportunity and find time to go outside and truly observe the
beauty of nature. Take a breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of the
clear water amongst the background of greenery. You owe it to yourself.
4. Eat Slowly. Instead of rushing to eat – take time
to appreciate the taste and flavors of your food. Again, according to
Ayurveda, food is medicine and optimal digestion produces nourishment to
both the body and mind. Therefore, let food be the delight of your
senses. Eat calmly, peacefully and in moderation.
5. Find pleasure in the simple things. While slowing
down, becoming more present, and appreciating nature you will notice
that it’s the simple things which give the greatest sense of joy. With
your newfound heightened sense of awareness, even the flower or a single
blade of grass amongst the vast field will give immense joy.
By: Mike Dhaliwal
By: Mike Dhaliwal
Thanks alot :)
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