Practice Small Balancing Acts of Kindness
by Rhona Sewell
Inspired by the wisdom of nature, Ayurveda is the oldest continuously
practiced health care system in the world. The word ‘Ayurveda’ comes from ‘Ayus’, meaning life
(mind, body, senses and soul) and ‘Veda’
meaning science or knowledge. We can translate Ayurveda as "Science
of Life". According to this science we are all microcosms of the natural
macrocosm. The five great elements found in nature are also found in each of
us. We are all unique combinations of Ether (Space), Air, Fire, Water and
Earth.
Everyone is unique.
Ayurvedic medicine recognizes the uniqueness of every individual taking
into account psychological, emotional and physical conditions and tendencies.
Remember the definition of Ayus is mind, body, senses and soul.
The elements and their qualities are present within each of us, but in
different quantities at different times. When in balance, these qualities
contribute to our good health. Our health
improves when we
practice small 'balancing acts of kindness'.
How do we find balance? Baby steps!
The elemental qualities within each of us are increasing and decreasing
with the changes in season, the time of day, and the time of life. The goal is
to live in balance with our true nature.
According to Ayurvedic principles, like increases like and opposites
pacify.
We begin by observing the qualities of how we feel. Then we encourage
balance by introducing opposite qualities and reducing similar qualities. For
example, when we feel cold we increase warmth. In the winter we need to eat
more warm food with warming spices, massage with warming oils, wear warm socks
and sweaters, cover up during Shivasana, and spend time with warm hearted
friends and family. During the cold season we need to decrease our consumption
of cold food, eliminate iced drinks, and minimize cold relationships.
Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences.
How do we recognize the more subtle qualities that we are feeling? Yoga
to the rescue! Ayurveda is a sister science to yoga. The nonjudgemental
awareness that we cultivate in our yoga practice is an indispensable tool to
support our good health. In order to make choices that will promote balance in
our lives we need to observe our own qualities. We observe ourselves feeling
cold, heavy, slow, hot, anxious, lethargic, impatient. We learn how to decrease
similar qualities and increase opposite qualities. As we stress less, sleep
better, manage weight and improve stamina with our Ayurvedic practices we will
find ourselves more available to our yoga practice.
Value the small steps.
Each act of self care is truly valuable. If you find you
neglected yourself one or two days then just start again tomorrow. In time you
will establish new habits. No rush. Be kind.
