In today’s fast-paced world it is so easy to get distracted by competition, stress, and goals. While mindfulness has been around for ages, it is now the hot trend that helps busy professionals, parents, and students better navigate life by being present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing.
By now in this Ayurveda 101 series, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the Mahabhutas, their archetypal qualities, and how they show in every single aspect of our lives.
Your taxi is late and the flight is about ready to depart; you’re hungry but the only thing on the way to the gate is a fast food frenzy of unhealthy options. Stressed and out of options, you board the plane.
If you who have, or are, an 80s baby… you likely remember a little show called Captain Planet. In the opening theme song, the Planeteers combine their elemental powers—earth, fire, wind, water, heart—to summon our green and blue superhero. Captain Planet, an “elemental warrior” as the show description lovingly refers to him, harnesses their forces in a quest to save the world.
I love to think that this popular activist show took a cue from Ayurveda itself.
Travel is a beautiful mix of exhilarating and exhausting. Our curiosity guides us to faraway places, foreign lands, new relationships, rituals unknown, food we’ve never tasted, novelty experiences…you name it.
The full moon—dogs howl at it; crime rates increase when it’s out; and, according to legend, the Buddha was born, became enlightened, and entered Nirvana all on days it governed. Observers of the sky have used the moon’s shapeshifting quality for centuries to chart the months and plant and harvest their crops, and cultures across the globe grant particular significance to the new and full moons.
Despite my best efforts, there are some days where the only exercise I get is from walking my dog. I’ve mentioned this to people (I’m looking at you, doctors!) who give me a look that clearly says “I’m trying not to roll my eyes right now” while telling me that I should really do more regular “real” exercise. So let me explain: my dog walks aren’t leisurely strolls where we stop to sniff the sunflowers—my puppy pal and I set a brisk pace and incorporate all kinds of cross-training into the routine to make it a little more exciting and a lot more beneficial for our bods.
I recently began teaching ESL classes online to Chinese children. I work from home, and I finally said goodbye to the overwhelming bustle of the food service industry. The catch: I work from 12AM-6AM. I didn’t truly understand what this meant until I noticed a decline in my physical and mental health.
I have a shocking confession to make.
I have dreaded yoga and meditation a thousand times. Surprising words from a dedicated yoga teacher? Yes, I have dreaded yoga and meditation a thousand times, but I have never once regretted it. Resistance to the practice is something we might not expect, and when it arises it can really pull us off the mat or meditation cushion if we aren’t ready for it.
Life is often hectic, and that can affect the way people meditate. If you are focusing on other things, you’re not really getting the most out of your meditation. When preparing for your daily routine of reflection, it is helpful to get yourself into the right mindset so that you can have a relaxing session that is free of stress and worry. As stated by Zen Master So Sahn, “The point of practicing is simply to cut off worldly thought.” So, by really focusing on your meditation, you are helping yourself cut off worldly thoughts, and truly relax.