Ayurvedic lifestyle – Michelle Berry

4 aims of life in Ayurveda

Ayurveda emphasizes that when our digestion, sleep cycles and emotional & sexual expression are all in balance, we have more energy to fulfill the four goals of life—ultimately creating a positive cycle while deepening our engagement with what truly matters.

Ayurvedic philosophy asserts that every individual possesses four fundamental motivations, known as purusharthas. Rather than abstaining from satisfying these desires for pleasure, success and purpose, or material gain – we can confidently pursue them with joy in our hearts. The Ayurveda teachings offer guidance on how to maintain balance while striving towards total health and wellbeing through holistic exploration of the soul’s goals. By cultivating conscious awareness & spiritual understanding accompanied by service-mindedness – one may lead a more integrated life full of fulfillment as well as enlightenment.

Kama is an ancient concept, teaching us to appreciate and find pleasure in life with self-awareness, moderation and non attachment. We can tap into a deep reserve of sensory satisfaction from the natural world; by simply enjoying its beauty we reap physical benefits at the same time! Achieving Kama involves recognizing how momentary joys are meant to be savored for what they are – fleeting moments that leave lasting memories as reminders of our connection to Nature’s abundance. Just like a flower blooms, it also dies. Remaining open without clinging allows true happiness rooted in appreciation rather than neediness – because everything essential will always return again…if only you’d trust it would!

Artha is more than just material security and wealth; it encompasses the total sum of our environment that leads to a fulfilling life. Deeply rooted in Ayurveda, Artha includes knowledge, friendships, love, career growth opportunities and skillset development – all which provide us with not only financial abundance but an overall sense of ease as we move closer towards uncovering true self-actualization. Without this tangible comfort around finances or health however, life can be taxing – leaving minds overly anxious & distracted from both mental clarity & intellectual pursuits alike.

Dharma is our true purpose in life. We each have our own unique dharma – a virtuous and moral path that brings purpose to our lives, serving both ourselves and society. According Ayurveda teachings, when we are not living this truth within us, inner peace will elude us. To fully express who we truly are at the deepest level though requires more than just knowledge: it takes stillness of mind so as to discern what is really calling out from inside us. Dharma can take on many forms – spiritual or material – but no matter how varied its shape may be ultimately all serve as paths for deepening self-awareness towards growth in spirit.

Moksha or liberation is an inward exploration of our true self in order to liberate us from material desires, suffering, and the repeating cycle of samsara. Through meditation and conscious living we can gain wisdom that will help connect us more deeply with freedom’s sweetest bliss. As we deepen our understanding of who we are as individuals, it becomes clearer what choices will support true emancipation – yet not without peril; too attached to this idea of freedom or liberation may leave us vulnerable to developing holier-than-thou spiritual egos. Instead let’s encourage ourselves lovingly embrace and bear witness to both pleasure and pain while taking delight in life’s temporal magnificence along the way towards final enlightenment.

Many Blessings!

In Gratitude,

Michelle

Spring Time ~ Kapha Season

In Ayurveda, the latter half of winter and spring are considered the Kapha season. It’s not the calendar year that defines the Kapha season, but the qualities of the atmosphere, the seasonal changes that take place in the world around us.

During this time, the weather is generally cool, damp, and muddy, with heavy fog or mist in some areas. These environmental factors influence the human system by increasing the same qualities in our minds and bodies. The damp, cold, dullness and heavy qualities manifest as accumulated toxins, clogging energetic channels and lowering our immunity. Maybe even having a foggy mind and grogginess in the morning. This time of year people are more susceptible to imbalances and this leads to seasonal allergies, colds, fatigue, and digestive sensitivities.

The good news is that there are many simple and natural ways to cleanse and take care of the system to stay balanced during this time of year. According to Ayurveda, the best way to counter the Kapha-aggravating effects of springtime is by following a Kapha-reducing diet and lifestyle.

Choose Light and Nourishing Foods

During the fall and winter, heavy foods help ground and nourish us, but during the spring these kinds of foods will overburden the system. Spring still is a cool season so we want to eat warm, light vegetables and soups, leafy greens, and warming spices like cinnamon, mustard seed, and chili.

Rise Early and Don’t Nap

Try rising at or before sunrise to beat the Kapha time of day. Sleep intrinsically possesses the Kapha Dosha, so when we sleep into the Kapha time of the morning, our Kapha levels automatically be higher from sunrise till about 10 am. This makes getting up and going more difficult – not just physically out of bed, but for all the body’s systems.

Amp Up Your Exercise

Regular exercise is key in maintaining balance during the spring season. As the weather begins to warm up it’s tempting to spend more time outside, but even if your daily routine doesn’t change you should try to get moving. A light jog, dancing, pilates, or a brisk walk are great exercises for springtime, anything that gets your heart rate pumping will help starve off the heaviness and stagnancy of the season.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of warm liquids, water, tea, golden sun milk. By the time you feel thirsty you are already in the early stages of dehydration, sip warm water throughout the day and stay on top of your body’s hydration needs, you will perform better, sleep more soundly and your body will feel more energized.

Perform a Spring Cleanse

Ayurveda believes in the principle of cleansing not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. The transition of the season to spring signals “cleansing time” in Ayurveda. Not only is a cleanse beneficial for eliminating excess Kapha, the season’s elements actually support the cleansing process. An Ayurvedic cleanse includes a combination of dietary guidelines, herbal formulation, and supplements to enhance digestion and support toxin removal, therapeutic purgation, and rejuvenation techniques.

You can perform an at-home cleanse or schedule a consultation with Michelle for a more comprehensive cleanse.

Enjoy this season of renewal!

With Love,

Michelle

The New Kind of Smart Water

Its been a full summer and as many of you know I am deepening my practice of Ayurveda. Drinking liquids that nourish me instead of deplete me has been key in keeping me hydrated and helping to purify, stimulate digestion, help elimination, reduce gas and bloating, provide antioxidant protection, clear wastes and toxins from the body and helping me to feel nourished. I have been infusing herbs into water and adding the water to my drinking water throughout the day.

The overall purpose of this water is to keep it simple, nourish the liver and kidneys to help them function and clear out excess ama (waste material/toxins). This recipe must be made fresh each day. Use only whole seeds or tea-cut size pieces of ingredients. Use only organic, food grade flowers and petals, without stems or leaves.

Basic Wise Water Recipe:

1/4 tsp Coriander Seeds
1/4 tsp Cumin Seeds
1/4 tsp Fennel Seeds
1 quart of blessed water
steep for 15 minutes
add to water or drink straight up throughout the day either hot or warm to room temperature.

Why are these spices so important? They deliver hormone balancing effects at the same time that it gently clears out cellular wastes that may otherwise block the action of the hormone on the tiffs.

Coriander Seeds have a cooling effect and enhances urine flow and the removal of toxins from the blood, liver and kidneys. Overall it balances all three doshas (the three energies that define every person’s makeup) but especially pitta (fire and a little bit of water).

Cumin Seeds are cooling overall but this miraculous spice is a key digestive aid in many recipes and is especially helpful in moving gas and clearing out bloating. Cumin has specific detoxifying effect on the whole body. It helps to reduce inflammation. It also purifies both the blood and the uterus and enhances the reproductive essence.

Fennel Seeds are a premier digestive aid and are especially helpful in moving gas downward and out of the intestines. It helps reduce spasms. Balancing for both vata (air & ether) and pitta. It is also mildly phytoestrogens and balancing for the reproductive system of women.

You can also add other nourishing herbs and spices! I have been adding brahmi, it is known to rejuvenate the mind, enhance memory, improve concentration, and to directly influence the quality of consciousness. Alma is used to support normal ranges of blood sugar, build blood and support liver function. Cardamom aids in digestion and fat metabolism without creating excess heat in the body, and it tastes delicious! Rose petals can benefit your body in a number of ways, not only are they great for the skin but they can also help you relax and even relieve digestive issues.

Making this everyday has given my water a little flavor and the health benefits are numerous! Start making your own today!

Love,

Michelle

Green Immunity Soup

This soup is nourishing and detoxifying, and when eaten regularly can help replenish nutrient deficiencies, boost immunity and restore vitality. Its delicious and you can use different greens to vary the nutrients and the taste!

1 Tablespoon Ghee or Olive Oil

2 Cups Blessed water or Tea (Astragalus, Pau d’Arco, Echinacea, Nettle, Chamomile)

1 teaspoon Masala

1 teaspoon Pink Salt

1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric

1/8 teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds

1 Cup Crumbled Fresh Soft Cheese (dairy or non-dairy) ~or~ you could use 1/2 cup soaked Cashews or 1/2 cup cooked lentils instead

1 Pound Leafy Greens such as Chard, Beet Greens, Collards, Spinach, Arugula, Kale &/or Sprouts.

1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley or Cilantro

Garnish with Fresh Lime Juice

In a medium saucepan add oil and spices, simmer and add 2 cups blessed water or tea and cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. While cheese is cooking, prepare your greens: wash, stem and tear them so they blend well ~ this should yield about 8 packed cups or so. Gradually add the greens and parsley, turning them over until they wilt but still remain their vibrant color (about 3-5 minutes). Turn off heat and leave soup uncovered to cool down a bit before transferring to blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Reheat to desired warmth.

Garnish with lime and serve hot.

*Adapted from the book What To Eat For How You Feel by Divya Alter

Enjoy! Many Blessings!

Love,

Michelle

Thought of the moment:

Of all that is wonderful in the human being, our most glorious asset is the capacity to change ourselves. ~Eknath Easwaran