Lifestyle Practices
Most, if not all of us, have suffered at one time or another from monkey mind where thoughts are restless, unsettled and confused. During these times we often feel we can’t do anything right. The lifestyle practices of cleansing the mind are powerful in their influence as they lead us closer to not only a healthier physical body but also to a higher state of consciousness. The capacity to choose a different thought or a different purpose at any given time is one absolute freedom we have. This choice is fundamentally ours and the intention to develop it and incorporate it into our very being is one of the many tools of Ayurvedic self-healing. Three primary ancient practices, when practiced regularly, cleanse and clear the mind resulting in a stronger mind-body connection which results in a stronger, more balanced physical body. As a helpful comparison, consider how we brush our teeth everyday, we shower and cleanse our body everyday, we take care of our hair, skin, nails. The choice of taking care of our mind is also in our hands. Start slow, be kind to yourself. The effect is powerful.
Pranayama is a Sanskrit term that defines Prana as the vital life force and ayama, as control. Prana is the vital life force that governs all physiological and psychological processes and soothes the nervous system. Ayurveda teaches us that the tools to strengthen and control the flow of prana are within our reach. There are numerous types of pranayama each with their own specific technique and benefit. Sheetali cools the body and emotions, Ujjayi overcomes and conquers, Nadi Shodhana calms the nerves, Kapalabhati is an energizing breath that brings lightness and clarity. What can be stated overall is that regular, daily practice allows you to feel your body in a different way – in an energetic way – and has a positive effect on cellular communication, stress reduction, cardiovascular and respiratory function.
Yoga, as a daily spiritual practice, unites the mind and the body through physical poses combined with focused, directed breath. Yoga is associated with an increase in the parasympathetic rest and digest mode which correlates to a reduction in stress. Citta vṛtti is the fluctuating mind. It is our tendencies, our fears, it is the non-stop whirring of thoughts. Fear enters the mind and gets lodged in citta, carrying our memories, our samskaras or emotional patterns. In order to clear citta, you have to clean it out. Yoga is the spiritual practice of clearing the fluctuating mind, of cleansing the mind. From a physiological standpoint, yoga improves arterial stiffness, functional capacity, strengthens the body. Yoga as part of a treatment protocol can start with just 2 or 3 poses each day. Find out which yoga poses support your particular body type. Start slow, see how it goes, see how it grows.
Meditation. Our thoughts are powerful. Ayurveda recognizes how the body, mind and spirit are inextricably woven. When your mind is agitated, it impacts your dosha, or your body’s natural energy, which in turn affects your physical and mental health. Meditation, in and of itself, is calming, relaxing and reduces stress, which is so needed in today’s world. Meditation as a daily spiritual practice provides opportunity to listen to one’s inner voice, leading us to seek and understand more of why we are here; it opens the door to a greater calm, deeper peace, profound presence. It the platform through which many of the Ayurvedic practices of self-healing are implemented. Our life force, through thought and presence, contain the keys to manifesting health and wholeness. Start slow. Give yourself time in the early morning hours or each evening before bed, to develop a routine of even just 5-10 minutes/day. As you incorporate this powerful practice into your life, see how it goes, see how it grows.