Ayurvedic Reflections: Lessons on Balance, Wellness, and Growth in 2024
Discover practical Ayurvedic wisdom, heartfelt lessons, and what’s ahead for 2025
Namaste and Greetings,
As 2024 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what a patchwork quilt of a year it has been—some pieces smooth, others a little rough, but all stitched together with lessons, laughter, and a few spilled cups of warm water (more on that later).
When this year began, I completed my first certification as an Ayurvedic Coach, followed by graduating as an Ayurvedic Counselor in October. In 2023, I started by dipping my toes into Ayurveda with curiosity, but soon found myself diving deeper, eager to uncover how this 5,000-year-old science could fit seamlessly into our modern world.
My goal? To share Ayurveda in a way that feels practical and inviting—no life overhauls required.
This newsletter became more than just a space to process what I was learning. It also became a platform to share those learnings in a way that anyone interested in Ayurveda could comprehend. Some Ayurvedic principles can be complex, but I’ve worked to translate them into simple, relatable language for the everyday reader.
After all, I’m not an enlightened guru meditating on a mountaintop. I’m right here in the trenches, figuring out how to make small, meaningful changes—whether it’s sticking to a morning routine, sleeping at or around 10 PM without Netflix derailing me, or finding peace in the midst of chaos.
Something magical happened along the way. As I shared my experiences—both triumphs and stumbles—I realized how much we all crave connection, simplicity, and humor in our wellness journeys. Ayurveda, as I’ve learned this year, isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance, consistency, and meeting yourself where you are. And that’s what I’ve tried to bring to this space.
What We’ve Explored Together
Since February, we’ve covered a lot of ground (and maybe spilled some turmeric along the way). Here are some highlights:
1. Digestion and Agni
We talked about Agni—your digestive fire—and how to tend it like a cozy fireplace. Too much fuel smothers it, and too little leaves you feeling cold and sluggish. Ayurveda reminds us that digestion isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about what we can digest.
2. The Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Remember our deep dive into the doshas? Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water) are the energies that shape who we are. We’re all a mix of the three, but some are more dominant than others. Understanding these energies can unlock insights into our tendencies, strengths, and the best ways to stay balanced.
3. The Power of Sleep
We uncovered the magic of Kapha time (6–10 PM) for winding down and Pitta time (10 PM–2 AM) for deep, restorative sleep—if we can resist catching a second wind (or one more episode).
4. Seasonal Living and Ritucharya
As fall rolled in, we explored Ritucharya—Ayurveda’s guide to living in harmony with the seasons. Small shifts in diet and lifestyle can make a big difference when nature is doing its own balancing act.
5. Stress, Spices, and Simplicity
From navigating holiday chaos to finding calm in a spoonful of coriander and fennel, we explored how Ayurveda can ground us—one small, intentional step at a time. And yes, those steps can start right in your kitchen.
6. Breathing Exercises and Pranayama
We discussed how Pranayama—the Ayurvedic practice of breath control—can calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote clarity. The breath is such a simple yet profound tool for creating balance in both the mind and body.
Lessons Learned in 2024
This year wasn’t just about learning Ayurveda—it was about living it (or trying to). Here are the lessons that stuck:
1. Progress Over Perfection
Balance isn’t a fixed state—it’s a dance. Whether I missed a day of Pranayama or opted for pizza over a grounding meal, I learned that self-compassion matters far more than perfection.
Takeaway: Even one small change—like starting your morning with warm water—can have a ripple effect over time.
2. The Mind Shapes Everything
In Ayurveda, the mind is seen as the cornerstone of how we live, feel, and process the world around us. A calm and balanced mind sets the stage for physical health, emotional well-being, and even strong digestion. When the mind is clear and focused, the body follows suit; but when the mind is restless or overwhelmed, it can disrupt everything from sleep to energy levels. Breathing exercises, such as Pranayama, are one of Ayurveda’s simplest yet most profound tools to center the mind and restore balance.
Takeaway: Your mind influences every aspect of your life. Be mindful of what you feed it—whether through media, relationships, or your own thoughts. A peaceful, grounded mind creates the foundation for lasting wellness.
3. Community Matters
This newsletter became more than just a place for me to share—it became a space for connection. Your emails, comments, and thoughtful reflections reminded me how powerful it is to walk this path together.
Takeaway: Wellness is better when shared. Lean into your community, whether it’s online, at home, or wherever you find it.
4. It’s Okay to Rest
In a world that glorifies hustle, Ayurveda reminded me that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Learning to listen when my body said “enough” was a game-changer (still a work in progress).
Takeaway: Rest guilt-free. Your body and mind will thank you.
5. Embrace Your Unique Journey
Comparison is the quickest way to drain joy. Ayurveda beautifully reminds us that we’re all unique, with our own blueprint (Prakriti) and our own path. This year, I’ve worked on letting go of comparisons and appreciating my journey for what it is—flaws and all.
Takeaway: Trust your path. Your progress is yours alone, and it’s worth celebrating.
What’s Ahead for 2025
Next year, I’m excited to dig deeper into Ayurveda and share even more ways to bring balance into everyday life. Here’s a sneak peek:
• Practical Tools: Think quizzes, journaling prompts, and guides to make Ayurveda even more accessible.
• Deeper Topics: From Prakriti (your unique constitution) to seasonal wellness and stress management, we’ll dive into the “why” and “how.”
• More Personal Stories: Because Ayurveda isn’t just about principles—it’s about how we live, learn, and laugh along the way.
Your Turn
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
• What questions do you have about Ayurveda?
• What topics or challenges would you like me to explore next year?
Hit reply or leave a comment—I’m all ears! Your feedback helps shape this space, and I’m so grateful for your insights.
Thank You
To my subscribers—whether you’re new or have been here since the beginning—thank you for being part of this journey. A special shoutout to those who’ve supported this newsletter with a paid subscription. Your generosity keeps this space thriving (and, yes, occasionally funds my coffee habit or spices up my kitchen).
If you’d like to support my writing and this journey, paid subscriptions are always appreciated and help keep this community vibrant and growing.
Here’s to 2024—the wins, the spills, and everything in between—and to an even brighter 2025. Let’s keep walking this path together, one small step at a time.
With gratitude,
Geetika
Looking forward to your 2025 posts and continuing to find inspiration in a shared journey.