A few years ago, I consulted an Ayurvedic practitioner to resolve several chronic illnesses I was experiencing. In a true Western fashion, I was hoping to collect an impressive prescription list of herbal mixtures and potions that would solve it ALL.
To my surprise (let’s clarify – I was an ayur-novice back then!), my practitioner focused instead on my pooping patterns and a conflictual relationship with a parent. Fix the basics first, she said. Clean up your digestion, clean up your emotional backyard, fix your sleep. “Then we will talk”.
“Are you kidding?” I remember thinking to myself. I felt so misunderstood, having come to her to address a series of complex health concerns which I was convinced would merit very sophisticated, state-of-the-art Ayurvedic treatment at the very least. Instead, I was getting advice on mindful eating and releasing stuck angry emotions.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” said once Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo was a clever man, as it turned out to be, and he was not wrong on this one. And so as I dive deeper into my Ayurvedic journey, I now see that this path is all about returning to the Simple to address the Complex.
The ancient science of Ayurveda is thought to be more than 5,000 years old. Today, more and more people in the West are starting to appreciate and apply Ayurvedic principles to effectively alleviate various health symptoms and enhance their wellbeing.
These ancient truths of Ayurvedic living were coined thousands of years ago in a completely different historical and cultural context. Yet, they continue to serve humanity so beautifully by guiding us towards simplifying our lives and focusing on providing ourselves with quality essential self-care: breath, nourishment, mindful eating, restful sleep and good emotional hygiene.
Sound easy? Didn’t think so 🙂 In fact, simplifying our lives to leave enough space for true self-care means taking radical responsibility for our state of health. This type of self-care cannot be outsourced, which is why you might feel tempted to resist it and “do it later”. But taking this step while creating a support system around you just might be the best investment you make for your health, EVER.
Ayurvedic principles have proven to be timeless, over and over again. They are more relevant today than they have ever been, as they guide us back Home to Self while we navigate our chaotic, complicated lives – one simple self-care step at a time.
So, what’s the one thing you can simplify in your life still today to leave a little bit more wiggle room for essential self-care? Here are just some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Can you leave some extra blank space in your calendar this weekend?
- Can you say “no” to a social engagement you didn’t want to commit to in the first place?
- Can you reduce your expectations in a particular area of your life? (good-bye, insta-perfect-staged kid birthday parties!)
If you DID any of these things, what would you do with the extra space in your life? How would you use it for true self-care?
I would be so interested in hearing about your self-care journey! If you need some support, drop me a line at hello@leanonayurveda.com!