I am currently on my fifth book about Ayurveda. It is a fascinating subject. I just finished “Ayurveda, practical guide to optimal health, healing and vitality” by Geeta Vara and “Ayurveda beginners guide” by Susan Weis-Bohlen.
Balance
Ayurveda combines mind, body, spirit creating a balanced bioenergetic system. Strong digestive fire, nourished body tissues, well functioning body processes, a calm mind, balanced emotions and clear senses. A body in harmony. A holistic approach to health. With a focus on vitality.
You are a sunflower
Picture your body as a sunflower. Give it food, sunlight and water and let it flourish. The soul, the collective and the universe combined. Managing ether, air, fire, water and earth. Lifeforce, radiance, vigour and strength. Vata, pitta, Kapha. Managing sleep, diet, exercise, mind and your environment.
You are what you consume
The message from all the books about Ayurveda is very clear. Your digestive system is the core of your health. Digestive is meant in a broad context. All your experiences are “food” that needs to be digested. You are what you eat. That is why you should not only consider what you eat but also what you see, what you hear, what you smell, what you feel and what you taste. That includes your digital diet. Everything you read on social media has an impact. You are what you read and watch.
Make a list
How many positive messages do you absorb per day? How many negative? How long are you on your phone or computer per day? How much processed food do you consume per week? But also, what toothpaste do you use, what shampoo, what lipstick, what soap, what laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaning and what air freshener? Changes are that it is poisonous.
Start with 3 things
That is the bad news. The good news is that starting to apply Ayurveda is very simple. Start with three things. Every book suggests that you should scrape your tongue after you wake up, and every book suggests that you should follow the scraping with drinking a cup of warm water with lemon juice. Start there. And then pick up a book about Ayurveda. Any book will do. Once you read it, it will awaken your body intelligence, and if you let it, the rest will follow automatically.
Awaken your body intelligence
You are finally tapping into collective wisdom that is 5000 years old, and therefore I am betting Ayurveda is part of our genes. Your DNA will recognise the truth (I read too much Lipton). Before you know it, without trying, you will start eating differently, sleep better and you will find yourself buying ghee and buying spices (start with turmeric and ginger). You be doing yoga, start meditating and become aware of your breathing before you know it.
My partner Liana is organising Ayurveda retreats in Spain. You can start there too. Combining Ayurveda with good food, the beach and sunshine. But start somewhere.
