We have been talking about the forces that create vitality, clarity, and endurance. To review, first was prana-life force which coordinates the breath, the senses, and the mind. Prana is responsible for enthusiasm ; like children playing in a playground. It is the subtle energy of air. One can enhance prana through breathing exercises, meditation,…
The current topic is ‘vitality”. A few weeks ago we talked about ‘ojas”, what it means and how to increase it. Let’s continue with the second subtle energy that governs vitality according to Ayurveda which is “prana”. Prana meaning life force or vital energy is necessary for all life. Without it we would be dead….
I have been thinking about “ojas” lately; one of the most influential factors of optimal health according to Ayurveda. With such confusion these days on this diet, that diet, no this , no that ;with somewhat of a negative toward food, I choose to contemplate food and the cooking of it in a more positive and nourishing…
A question for you to contemplate…. What is contemplation? Conscious observation; not judgement but honest presence. What is consciousness? Self awareness. Self awareness brings clarity; clarity of mind brings clarity of perception; clarity of perception brings emotional clarity. Beyond the emotions there is compassion. Only when you are stuck in the emotion does it become…
Now that kids are back to school Moms are concerned with their child’s best performance in the classroom. According to Ayurveda the three aspects of mental ability are: – learning -retention -ability to recall What contributes to the lack of these qualities: -Food lacking intelligence- additives, colorings, preservatives, flavorings, emulsifiers and packaged foods. Diet is…
After a season of intense heat, now is a good time to plan a fall cleanse. According to Ayurvedic principles, the junction between seasons is the best time for cleansing. With lots of cleanses out there that are based on “raw” foods or fasting with juices I’d like to share a very beautiful way to…
For these very hot days of summer I would like to share some practices I have found very effective in Ayurveda for feeling soothed. According to Ayurvedic principles, it’s not a food’s temperature that makes it cooling, but rather its innate qualities. Each and every food is classified according to whether its energies promote heating or cooling….
Since this is my birthday week I thought I would write about the meaning of our birthday according to Ayurveda. Ayurveda teaches that we are all born with a set constitution called prakriti (means nature or first creation in Sanskrit) which is determined at the moment of conception. Determining factors are: The constitution of both parents (genetics) The state of health of the…
Continuing the theme of ”cooling” for the summer, I thought I would write about some of natures’ delicious juicy and cooling fruits that are available locally to eat. The natural sugars and refreshing quality of fruit make it a wonderful substitute for refined and chemical sweeteners.Fruit also contains valuable minerals. enzymes, fiber and vitamins. So…
When I call back clients after an Ayurvedic Marma therapy session to ask how they are feeling I often hear they feel a sense of “calm’ in their lives and that “calm” is permeating their daily activities. Amongst other tangible results such as headache relief, digestive complaints disappearing, improved sleep, overall better mood, I sometimes get this question..”…