In October 2023 I Did a Thing
I signed up to become a Holistic Ayurvedic Coach. I graduate next month (March 2024). I have thoughts and feelings that I need to share and express.
It’s February 29th — A leap day.
I believe this extra day is a gift for the likes of me.
Procrastinators. Overthinkers.
Embarking on the journey of learning Ayurveda is akin to setting sail on an ocean of ancient wisdom, where the waves of knowledge crash against the shores of modern living.
As a new learner, I stand at the edge of this vast expanse, simultaneously awestruck by its depth and daunted by it breadth. When I started about five months ago it was like I was handed a treasure map without a compass, unsure of where to begin or what wonders lie ahead.
In the labyrinthian, mazy complex world of Ayurveda, every step forward feels like uncovering a hidden gem. And I’m acutely aware of the vastness that lies beyond each discovery.
The intricate web of Doshas to the profound teachings of interconnectedness between mind, body, and spirit, every concept is a a universe unto itself, waiting to be explored.
It’s like trying to grasp the cosmos with my bare hands - the more I learn, the more I realize how much there is left to know.
Yet amidst the overwhelming vastness, there is a sense of wonder and reverence for the wisdom that has been passed down through generations. There is also a familiarity. Because after all …
Ayur (life) - Veda (science) literally translates to “the science of life.” More than a health system, it is a vast body of knowledge for everything in the cosmos. It offers overarching principles of matter, energy, nature, and the relationships of all things, as well as highly specific guidelines for preventing and managing human health as a part of the whole.
“Ayurveda is an ocean: however, its approach to wellness is simple and intuitive — so much so that it is often called “the common sense science.” Its objective is to approach wellness through the balance of the mind and body through lifestyle practices, natural therapies, and herbal remedies.” — Kerala Ayurveda.
The familiarity that I speak of is because we are humans. A part of nature. Ayurveda talks about us and all that is around us. Some of us may have forgotten that we are a part of nature and we seem to have lost our way.
I know I have — living in a big city like New York often called a ‘concrete jungle,’ sleeping and waking up at odd hours, eating and drinking without a schedule, or any planning for the varying seasons.
I promise I will never be preachy nor will I use absolute statements like you must do this that or the other, nor scare anyone into following any practices that I think might be beneficial - because I don’t respond well to any of these ways.
However, for me, as I study the principles of Ayurveda that often seem too simple to be innovative or “sexy” I can’t help but think that something that is tried and true; with a blueprint that has worked and survived for thousands of years is worth considering.
Each lesson, each insight, is a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human understanding of health, wellness, and the inherent harmony of existence.
As a new learner, I’m not just absorbing knowledge; I’m immersing myself in a living tradition that bridges the ancient and the modern, the tangible and the intangible.
So, while the journey may be daunting and the path long, there is a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction in navigating the vastness of Ayurveda.
I am attempting to embark on a transformative voyage of self discovery and holistic understanding that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
This part I am working on and will come in time — to focus on my resolve to reconcile my modern, often skeptical, lazy self with the ancient and common sense approach of Ayurveda. I have taken the first step to study and that is a big deal for me.
I hope what I share in the following weeks and months will be an inspiration for some who have found themselves on the fence looking towards the East to help with everyday ailments that western medicine is too aggressive with. Coughs, colds, aches, minor cuts, burns and the like.
Most importantly, Ayurveda spends a whole lot of effort on preventative care as opposed to dealing with individuals once they are sick. Part of me wishes that I had started to use the principles of Ayurveda decades ago, focusing on building health and strength, as opposed to now - in my mid 50’s.
Cliche alert: Better late than never.
I need to say that:
I am stupendously thankful that Western medicine exists - and when I say looking to the East for some remedies I am in no way steering anyone away from their regular doctors.
Good luck on your program! Exciting.
I used to splurge for an Aryurvedic facial once per year. It was my favorite thing and they always gave me such good recommendations. I didn’t follow the ones that said to give up dairy though 😂 Mozzarella is too good 🤤