Ayurveda 101
Very simply, we set aside time and a quiet place to engage in inquiries that will remind us of who we really are. We do this practice as often as necessary for this understanding to become an implicit part of our being. For most of us this means practicing from the first breath to the last.
-Donna Farhi
“Don’t bring me down” is not only an iconic 60s rock song written by The Animals, it is also an everlasting, lifelong theme for many of us as we navigate our way through the material world.
While we attempt to go through life trying our best not be affected by other people’s words and actions, we inevitably are. Because most of us are not fully enlightened beings, 100 % of the time. Heck I would settle for 10 % of the time.
So what do we do? What should we remember?
Life is complex. Life is inevitably full of challenge. People’s feeling are complex. Hence relationships are inevitably full of challenge.
The ancient seers who saw deep into the waters of humanity realized this a long time ago. They knew that we have to calm the turbulent waters of our mind, and move froward in the world consciously and with a sattvic heart. A heart that wants to give and do good for others.
They also knew that the only thing we really have control over is ourselves; and not only that, only YOU know the truth of who you are!
How wonderful and inspiring is that! Freedom from the ego wanting acceptance and recognition of others. Instead, you are able to steer your attention inward, and connect to the essence of who you are; that unchanging, always present, everlasting divinity you have within. When my attention settles there; I feel connected and calm, my breathe slows down and my heart beats a little slower.
This is really what Ayurveda is all about.
It is to become conscious. The modern, Westernized focus of Ayurveda has been mainly focused on keeping the body healthy, which is important but only a part of it. The whole point of keeping it healthy is so you can become still enough and calm enough to see more clearly the truth of who you are.
Once again, this is what Ayurveda is all about.
It is letting the truth of who you are out.
In a recent podcast I listened to with John Douillard he said “living in sync with the science of life is Ayurveda 101. The real purpose of Ayurveda is to let something more truthful, more vulnerable, more real, more authentic, more powerful out. But not for the sake of power, not for the sake of approval from others, and not for the sake of the ego.”
Boundaries have become a hot topic in our busy, modern world. They are intrinsically necessary in many ways.
Just as we choose what to watch, what we eat, what we read, and where we work, we also have to remember that we choose the people we bring into our lives, and the vibration they bring with them.
So remember this: wherever your attention goes, your energy flows.
Steer wisely, intentionally, and thrive.
