Easeful Living
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Easeful Living
Why:
Relax to allow. Soften to open, to be a channel of spirit. Flow through life like water as the wu wei.
When you’re stressed out, you’re constricted. When you’re constricted, you’re closing yourself off from source. You’re impeding the flow of your spirit ~ the deepest, most subtle and all-pervading aspect of yourself. Being stressed out increases your chance of dis-ease and poor health.
When you let go and drop into an easeful state, you flow with grace. You are open to and in synchronization with “the bigger picture.” You’re in alignment with your divine nature.
The more easefullness you can practice living everyday, the more easefulness you will regularly experience and attract into your life. You experience greater health.
How:
Life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It doesn’t have to be nor is it meant to.
When you’re pushing into your edge of evolution, there will be discomfort. Often times things don’t go as planned, or challenges confront us. Stressful situations can happen.
The practice is not to turn away from what can arise, but instead to remain in your center – with your perception coming from your heart, the larger field of consciousness, or your point of awareness.
Living from this perspective, moment by moment, day to day, trains yourself into relaxing into the field of the divine, even with all the bumps along the way, rather than constrict or restrict your openness to it.
To support your easeful approach to life ~
- meditate or sit in silence everyday
- do what brings you joy
- cultivate and share the feelings of love, trust, faith, gratefulness, support
- don’t suppress or avoid emotions, feel them deeply and allow them to move through you
- continually refer to or lean into your experience of the great mystery, of the under-lying beingness that up-holds and gives life.
- when stress or challenge is present, orient your perspective from your point of awareness or your heart. Relax or soften the stress as much as possible
- practice deep breathing
- follow the wisdom from spiritual leaders that resonate with you.
Namaste
{ Art : Primrose – Alphonse Mucha }
Scrape Your Tongue
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Tongue Scrapping
Why:
Scrape off the ama to support the functioning of this massively important organ, and get a clue to what’s going on internally for you.
The tongue is a map of the internal body. If reflects what is happening inside with your main organs and digestive tract. When you look at your tongue everyday, you can make better decisions to support a healthier digestive system and body, overall.
Also – the sensory ability to taste is an incredibly important part of eating and staying healthy. The tongue wants to communicate to the body information about whats being digested, and make an intelligent decision as to whether or not that is the best food for you. Plus, it’s nice to be able to taste your food. Eating is awesome.
A tongue with a white, plaquey coating (ama) has blocked taste buds. It can’t function to its fullest and decipher exactly what you’re putting into your mouth, leading to bad or unintelligent decisions.
How:
Buy a metal tongue scrapper, like this one, from Banyan Botanicals or at a local health food store.
Every morning, just before you brush your teeth, check your tongue out. What’s going on? You can refer to the tongue chart below. Start noticing that what, when, and how you eat affects your digestion and is reflected on your tongue.
Then, using the scrapper, lie the metal edge at the back of the tongue and pull forward – scrapping off the gunk and goo. Scrape seven times to ignite the agni (digestive fire) in each of your seven tissues.
And enjoy your next meal!
{ Art : The Moon – Alphonse Mucha } { Chart from “Ayurveda, The Science of Healing” by Dr. Vasant Lad }
Healthier Eating Guidelines
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Healthier Eating Guidelines
Why:
How, when, and why you eat is just as important as what you eat.
By eating with the basic healthy eating guidelines, you:
- support a stronger, ‘clearer’, more balanced digestive system.
- burn off fat and ama between meals and overnight.
- prevent over-taxing your system and free up energy
- have a stronger immune system and stronger, healthier tissues
When you eat three basic meals a day with your loving attention, you are honoring the sacred act of nourishment and the food that creates your physical body. You are also creating the time and space to be more deeply satisfied by the food you eat.
How:
Some very simple guidelines to eating in a healthy way :
- Have your biggest meal of the day around noon, when your digestion is the strongest. Just like the fire in the sky (the sun) the fire in our body is the strongest around noon. When you have your majority of sustenance around this time, the body is able to break it down, digest and assimilate it into nutrients for it to become the beautiful, healthy tissues of your body. Food eaten to late in the body weighs down the body and creates health problems, especially a tired/ groggy/ crabby feeling in the morning.
- Eat fresh foods that are freshly prepared. Fresh, whole, sprouted and living foods contain enzymes to enhance our digestion and assimilation. They also have prana — vital life force energy. High prana foods give us high, clear, vibrant energy.
- Incorporate the 6 tastes — sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent, into every meal. Everyone needs a certain proportion of each taste or food depending on their dosha. Vatas, Pittas and Kaphas can read more in this blog to see their preferred foods and flavors. Different tastes help to balance us on multiple levels: physically, emotionally, mentally, energetically, and more. Having all tastes, and your specific tastes in the right proportion, ensures your body is more balanced.
- Dine in a lovely atmosphere. You can light a candle, play some sweet music, add a flower to your table, but at the very least sit down in a quiet, settled atmosphere. Eating on the go, while driving or walking, standing up, and otherwise distracted hinders your ability to digest what you’re taking in, let alone enjoy it. Sit down and savor!
- Allow yourself to be ready to receive. Let go of any negative emotions or distractions, say a prayer, blessing or gesture of gratitude and relax to receive your nourishment.
- Be hungry. Cultivate a true, strong hunger. This ensures the body is ready to digest. True emptiness allows for a deeper level of satisfaction after eating.
- Don’t confuse thirst and hunger.
- Fast on water between meals.
- Keep good company and let the conversation be light or minimal.
- Allow your attention to remain with the flavors, scents, textures and deliciousness you’re experiencing.
- After dining, relax for a short while before hustling off. Anyone who has more time, or indigestion issues, can practice laying on the left side of the body for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the stomach digest.
If you’re experiencing digestive issues I can help. Click here to learn more about an Ayurvedic Assessment and schedule a time for us to talk.
Cheers to feeling good. xo
{ Art : “Autumn” – Alphonse Mucha }
Meditation
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Meditation
Why:
Why meditate?
There are just about as many answers to this question as there are people on this earth.
Perhaps you can ask yourself why you want to meditate and allow that answer to guide you toward what will suit you best and help you receive or experience what you’d like.
To me, meditation is time to experience the simple beauty of our deepest truth – our spirit. It is a time to let go of all other things in this phenomenal world and rest in the realness, the blessing, the love of your heart.
It is also incredibly healing, uplifting, re-aligning, refreshing, igniting…
How:
1. Find a quiet place to sit. Ideally, find somewhere you won’t be disturbed and you can go back to everyday. In your bedroom at the foot of your bed, in your yoga space, on the porch, in a guest bedroom, or wherever you can create a peaceful sanctuary is a nice place. Avoid any habitual spots where you watch t.v., read, or sit for regular day-to-day activities. In these places your mind may go into its automatic thought mode.
2. Find a regular time. If you can fit your meditation into your everyday routine and regular schedule you are more likely to stick to it and it will become a regular part of your day. For example, in the morning after you get up and brush your teeth, on your lunch break, in the evening before dinner or at sunset, or as part of your night routine are all great times to regularly practice. Regular consistency everyday, even if for a short time span, can be more beneficial than long and erratic meditation sessions.
3. Find a comfortable sitting position. Relax into your body, with your spine straight and aligned. You can sit on a cushion or stack of pillows on the floor, with your sit bones near the edge of the pillows to allow your hips to tilt forward and your legs to rest comfortably. Sitting in a chair works fine too. It is best to sit at the edge of the chair to avoid leaning back too far on the back rest. Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands on your knees or thighs.
4. Relax. Take a few deep, long, and slow breaths. Focus on your breath for as long as you like- a couple of breath cycles, a couple of minutes, or longer, whatever feels good.
5. Bring your awareness to the center of your being. Feel into the presence and spaciousness of your inner self. Rest in this space. Allow thoughts to come and go, just pass through like clouds in the sky. Do not give them any extra attention nor be discouraged that they appear. Simply allow them to be, and refocus your attention back into the space of your being. Rest in the awareness and peacefulness of your center.
Namaste
{ Art : Morning Star – Alphonse Mucha }
Self Massage – Abhyangha
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Self Massage ~ Abhyanga
Why:
Self massage (abhyanga) is a beautiful loving act of self care.
It puts you in touch with your body (literally), your nervous system and emotional body.
When you rub oil into the top layer of your skin, all seven layers absorb the nourishment – all the way into your nervous system. This helps to strengthen the skin and your nerves. As you massage your skin, you are simultaneously massaging your nerve endings in the skin and hence your nervous system. Your skin, muscles, joints, lymph system, everything benefits. You feel cared for, loved, nourished, strengthened, grounded, and moisturized. You can sleep better, relax better, have better focus, an enhanced immune system…. You glow.
How:
Start with your feet, if self-massage is new to you. Every night, rub some oil into the soles of your feet before you go to bed.
When you’re ready, slowly upgrade to a full body massage. This can be done before or after your shower. If you want, first warm up your oil of choice by running the bottle of oil under hot water or filling your sink with hot water and let the bottle warm up. Sit on an old towel, at the edge of your tub, on the toilet, or on the floor. Make sure you feel warm and comfy.
Begin by rubbing the oil into the soles of your feet. Take your time. Be present. Get to know your body, how you feel, and what you need. Working your way up your legs, use a circular motion over your joints (ankles, knees, etc). Use long, steady strokes over your limbs (calves, thighs, arms.) Use large, slow circles over your abdomen, butt, and chest. Kneed some TLC into your neck and shoulders. Don’t forget your ears, and your scalp if you don’t mind a little oil in your hair.
Keep in mind the oil can seep into your towels, clothes or bedding. Wear pjs or fabrics you’re not concerned about getting a little spotty. Or just use the oil sparingly.
Use:
- unrefined, untoasted sesame oil for dry skin or colder climates (vata)
- coconut oil for warmer body types or warmer climates (pitta)
- almond or jojoba for cooler, medium skin types (kapha)
Take your time, let this rich practice of self love and deep self care nurture your body, mind and soul. ?
If you want to bring your self care, daily habits, and lifestyle to the next level, check out my 10 week program Soul Body Bliss.
If you’re ready for some support and guidance to heal on all levels, or make some serious upgrades with how you feel, schedule a 20 minute strategy session. Click Here. (It’s free)
xoxo
{ Art : Edelsteine: Amethyst – Alphonse Mucha }
Plant Based Diet
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Plant Based Diet
Why:
Plants are a living, prana- rich gift from the earth. Living plants are literally full of consciousness. When we eat simple, plant based foods (rather than food from a box, processed, or other wise altered) we are taking in more life-force energy to shine brighter. We become more sattvic.
Non plant-based foods (the items from the middle isles in the grocery store) are harder for our body to assimilate. They are less natural, more foreign. They have been altered from their natural plant state and are no longer easy for our body to recognize, process, and make healthy tissue from. These frozen dinners, pastas, soy – protein isolate type things get stuck and muck-up our body. They create ama.
Eat fresh to feel fresh. Connect to the earth through the natural foods you eat.
How:
Eat simple. Eat plants.
This is literally the most basic approach to an Ayurvedic diet. And it packs a BANG.
How can you add in more plants?
- make a smoothie, fresh juice, or have some fruit for breakfast
- have a piece of fruit for a snack, instead of a granola bar (or whatever you usually have)
- add an extra veggie to your plate at any or all meals
- notice what part of the plant you are eating, and how it impacts you
- notice where your plants came from
- notice the plants naturally growing around you. lovingly harvest the ones you are drawn to, and enjoy
As you continue to upgrade, you’ll continue to feel more energy, more vibrancy, clarity and strength.
Some fun and easy websites to get you started with recipes and wild harvesting:
Kris Karr — vegan and fresh.
Detoxinista — a little more fancy and flash.
Wild Edibles — what to eat from your ecosystem for ultimate bang.
If you want to go deeper in this conversation, you’ll want to be a part of my 10 week Ayurveda course Soul Body Bliss. We take this conversation further, and you go further into your journey of health and feeling awesome.
{ Art: Fruits – Alphonse Mucha }
Breath Body Practice
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Breath Body Practice
Why:
Move your body to breathe deep. Moving and breathing deep moves out the old and wakes up each cell with prana (vital life- force energy.)
Moving, breathing deep, taking in fresh prana creates connectivity in your whole system. A connected body is a more intelligent body. Greater intelligence yields greater choices throughout the day.
Exercise, especially before eating, moves, clears and cleanses the lymphatic system, also known as rasa dhatu. A clear and healthy lymph system helps you feel clear and healthy.
Breathing deep and moving before breakfast feels amazing! You feel fresh, alive, open, energized and keyed up. It truly is a healthy addiction. Start this habit now, and after a regular practice you won’t want to miss it. The day you don’t move, you’ll simply feel ‘off’ and you’ll dive back in.
How:
Move your body and breathe deep!
Dance, do yoga, go for a walk or jog, lift weights, pranayama, do an exercise video… anything to get you moving and breathing, to take in some fresh prana, before you eat.
Whatever sounds good to your body, go for it. Move from your body (not your head) and keep the movement of prana happening with deep breaths. Start with 5 minutes a day, everyday, and slowly work up to 20 or 30 minutes. Make breath your first meal of the day.
I like to do about 5- 10 sun salutations and then go into some deeper stretching or dance for 5 minutes, depending how I feel. My main or longer exercise routine I save for later in the day, but you could just as well do your main exercise before breakfast.
If you love these tips and are ready for more Ayurveda, to dive deeper, check out my 10 week course Soul Body Bliss.
Happy Breathing 🙂
{ Art : Dance by Alphonse Mucha }
Your Morning Routine
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Your Morning Routine
Why:
Start your day right to prime yourself optimally for the day ahead.
When you take an extra 5, 20, or 50 minutes to care for yourself in the morning you are priming yourself up for an optimal day. Connect the physical body, energy body, intellect and soul for a wholly integrated and more intelligent self to step into the day, each and every day.
And honestly, a good morning routine is fun and feels awesome. It’s addictive.
How:
Wake up and give thanks. Feel into the precious gift of a human life on earth with gratitude.
Let go of all waste (pee, poop, plaque in the mouth, eye crusties, etc…) (If you don’t poop every morning without caffeine you can and need to change that!)
Flush your channels with hot or room temp water (add lemon for extra alkalinity).
Move your body and take big breaths for 5-30 minutes before you eat. Have oxygen as your first meal of the day. Draw fresh prana (vital life force energy) into each and every cell of your body to truly wake up and revitalize.
Sit in silence. Expand into your eternal nature.
Enjoy a simple, fresh breakfast.
If this tip is helpful for you, click here to learn more and go deeper with my Ayurveda Course.
{ Art : Times of Day Series – Morning Awakening, Alphonse Mucha }
Evening Rituals
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Go to sleep early.
Why:
When it’s dark out, we’re meant to sleep. This includes winding down, chilling out, and relaxing after the sun starts to go down. Rest, relaxation, and straight up making time to kick back and enjoy life is important for our health.
A sweet, lovely evening of relaxing or having fun helps to build ojas – the refined nectar that holds our prana (vital life force energy). Relaxing in the evening builds a strong immunity. It helps you flow into an easy bedtime ritual and fall asleep easily. It supports your deeper rest and nourishment, to wake up with the sun and shine bright.
How:
Quit ‘burning the candle at both ends.’ Put away your work early. Don’t over-book yourself. Schedule in some chill time after dinner.
Start noticing when you get tired and honor that – don’t push through it.
Create a simple and nourishing evening ritual for yourself and get into bed a little earlier. Slowly, over time, you will get more rested and wake up earlier. But first the emphasis is on getting rested.
If this tip is helpful for you, click here to learn more and go deeper with my Ayurveda Course.
Take care.
{ ART : ‘Repos de Nuit’ (Night’s Rest) from the Times of Day series. – Alphonse Mucha }
Meal Timing
The Basics of Ayurveda for Big Results :::
Eat an early, light dinner.
Why:
Our digestive fire is the strongest in the middle of the day. We can break down our food and create strong, healthy tissues when we have lunch as the biggest meal of the day.
An early, light dinner that is easy to digest is easier on the digestive system. Secondly, our metabolism kicks up from 10pm-2am. If our main fire in the gut isn’t over-loaded, the body can direct its energy on these “little fires” throughout the cells, tissues and organs. The liver especially wants to cleanse and detox at this time. The result: you prevent ama (toxins) from building up and instead you are regularly “cleaning house” every night while you sleep.
You will wake up more clear, light, and fresh. Little ailments like inflammation, allergies, mucous, grogginess, crabbiness, achy joints, etc will naturally start to disseminate.
How:
Start making your dinner earlier, or lighter.
Move dinner forward by 10 minutes a week until you’re eating your last meal before the sun goes down (ideally).
You can also, slowly, take out heavier or harder to digest items and add them to your lunch. Proteins, fats, heartier or ‘fancier’ meals are easier to digest when our digestion is strong.
Light dinners are: more vegetable based, salads, soups, one-pot meals, simple and easy.
Remember that a little change, slowly, consistently over time, can make a huge difference and be more likely for you to maintain.
If this tip is helpful for you, click here to learn more and go deeper with my Ayurveda Course.
{Art: Alphonse Mucha}