In the ancient Indian philosophy of Ayurveda, the belief is that everything in the universe is connected. This includes our minds, bodies, and spirits. Furthermore, it is thought that the energy that flows within us, also known as prana, is influenced by our thoughts, actions, and emotions. By understanding what you pay attention to, you can better understand who you are and how to balance your prana.

Pay Attention to Your Food and Drink
In Ayurveda, food is classified into three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When you pay attention to the foods that nourish you and the ones that don’t, you can learn what doshic imbalances you may have. For example, if you frequently find yourself craving spicy and sour foods, you may have an excess of Pitta in your body. On the other hand, if you’re always seeking out sweet and salty snacks, you may have an imbalance of Kapha. By paying attention to our cravings and how our bodies react, we can make informed choices about what to eat and how much of it to consume.

Watch Your Breath
Breathing is an essential part of our lives. In Ayurveda, breath work, or pranayama, is regarded as a powerful tool for balancing prana by calming the mind and regulating the nervous system. Paying attention to your breath can give you insight into how you’re feeling and what you may need. For instance, if you find yourself feeling more anxious or stressed, taking a few deep breaths may help alleviate those symptoms. Additionally, by focusing on your breath during meditation, you may find that you have an easier time calming your mind.

Observe Your Thoughts and Emotions
One of the most important aspects of Ayurveda is awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Many of us operate on autopilot, reacting to stimuli without realizing why or how it affects us. By paying attention to our thoughts and emotions, we can start to untangle the webs of our mind, bringing greater clarity and understanding to our inner selves. This, in turn, allows for more conscious decision-making and a deeper connection to our intuition.

Take a Look at Your Environment
Our physical environment can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Ayurveda encourages us to pay attention to the spaces we inhabit, including our homes, workplaces, and even our cities. By taking note of the sights, smells, and sounds around us, we can make adjustments to create a more harmonious space. Perhaps adding plants to our home to create a sense of calm or choosing to take a different route to work to avoid stimuli that trigger anxiety. By prioritizing our environment, we can create spaces that support and nourish us.

Get in Tune with Your Body
Perhaps the most fundamental aspect of Ayurveda is paying attention to our bodies. By checking in with ourselves regularly, we can learn what we need to create a sense of balance. This can manifest in different ways, from doing a gentle yoga practice to sitting in silent meditation. But more than just physical practices, it also means tuning into our body’s cues and trusting them. Paying attention to when we’re hungry or full, when we need rest or exercise, and even when we need to connect with others. By prioritizing our bodies, we can create greater vibrancy, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Ayurveda is a beautiful and intricate practice, encompassing so much more than just the physical body. By paying attention to the world around us and ourselves, we can come to a deeper understanding of who we are and what we need. By making choices that support our prana, we can create an environment where we can thrive and find balance. As you go about your day, take a moment to just sit, breathe, and pay attention. You never know what kind of insight you may gain.

Make an appointment with me today to dive deeper into who you truly are!

Love, Michelle

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