Written by Mari Diaz
Have you ever felt like you've hit a roadblock on your health and wellness journey? Like you've tried everything and nothing seems to be working? That's exactly where I found myself before discovering Ayurveda.
I vividly recall the moment when I first came across the term "Ayurveda." It was as if a switch had flipped inside me, and I had a deep sense that everything was about to change. I was in the depths of my health journey, navigating the overwhelming confusion of the health and wellness industry. I was constantly bouncing between visits to Western medical experts, hospitals, and waiting rooms. But as soon as I started learning about Ayurveda, my appreciation for it began to grow.
Ayurveda is the world's oldest medical system, with roots dating back over 5,000 years. It takes a holistic and integrated approach to healing the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, our bodies and minds are made up of specific elements, and by balancing these elements through food and lifestyle choices, we can live our happiest, most fulfilled lives.
But Ayurveda is more than just a medical system; it's a way of life. It's about developing your inner compass, listening to your body's signals, and learning how to use food, herbal supplements, and lifestyle choices to restore balance. And let me tell you, it's not an easy road. My healing path has taken me down many wild terrains, but the more I learned, practiced, and reaped the healing benefits of Ayurveda, the more I fell in love with.
What I love most about Ayurveda is its simplicity and power. It's not a fad or quick fix, but rather a sustainable way of life to last an entire lifetime. And it all starts with listening to your body.
The first step to creating a sustained state of balance is to pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel better the next morning after eating a light dinner or when you eat a big meal before bed? Do you feel happier the next day when you stay up late or when you go to bed earlier? That's what finding balance is about - becoming more aware of what foods and lifestyle choices are nourishing for YOU.
Ayurveda teaches us that food is medicine. To understand this concept, we have to grasp the fundamental principle of Ayurveda: The five elements - Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth - exist in all matters of life. They manifest in the human body as the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Every person, flower, and animal is, therefore, an expression of an individual Dosha. Likewise, every food also has special properties. Through eating specific foods, a person's Doshas can increase or decrease, which can have either a positive or a negative impact.
But Ayurveda isn't just about what we eat; it's also about how we eat. Eating warm meals can aid in digestion and stimulate our digestive fire. We should have meals tailored to our specific Dosha and ensure our meals are freshly prepared with high-quality whole foods. And let's not forget to savor our meals with all of our senses and take time for them. Being mindful of our body signals and going with our own "gut feelings" can help us find the ideal balance for our unique body and mind.
I know firsthand that it takes time, patience, and dedication to heal with the laws of nature. But to witness your self unfold and transform in ways you never thought were possible is incredibly empowering, thanks to Ayurveda and the power of mother nature.
Exploration, discovery, and growth. There is no one end goal destination, but an infinite path of learning, transforming, and rising in.
Remember, Ayurveda is a journey, not a destination. It's about cultivating a lifestyle that nourishes and supports your unique mind-body constitution. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, and always approach your Ayurvedic practice with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
As you continue on your Ayurvedic journey, be patient with yourself and trust the process. Healing takes time, but with consistent effort and dedication, you can achieve a state of balance and harmony that will benefit you for a lifetime.
So take that first step today and embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you. Namaste.
If you're interested in Ayurveda and other wellness practices, I recommend that you become a part of the Bloom community and follow my column. This way, you'll be able to stay updated on the latest news and events happening within the community.
In particular, you'll be able to access the amazing masterclasses and workshops that are conducted by experts in the field. These classes provide a comprehensive exploration of the holistic health and wellness universe and provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to transform your life and embark on a journey towards optimal health, happiness, and wellbeing
