"Take time to do what makes your soul happy"- Unknown
We live in a society that is obsessed with success, hard work, hustling and constant digital connectivity. While there is nothing wrong with working towards personal and professional goals, one has to consider the toll that constant movement has on the mind, body and soul.
Up until recently, I struggled with always being on. I'm a naturally flowy person, so stillness to me equates to unproductiveness and a lack of progression. It wasn't until I experienced extreme feelings of anxiety that I re-evaluated my lifestyle and starting questioning my choices.
I noticed not only do I have an erratic daily routine, but I don't take time out for self - care. I was also, according to Ayurveda, not eating for my bodily constitution. Let me back up a little bit and explain what Ayurveda is for those who may be unfamiliar.
Ayurveda is an Indian/Vedic holistic science. It's based on the belief of the mind-body connection and that whatever troubles your mind, manifests in your body and soul. It's a preventative method that helps heal the root problem, and not just the physical symptoms. In Ayurveda, everyones body is made up of a prominent constitution or dosha: Vata, Pitta & Kapha.
"Ayurveda: A Life of Balance" by Maya Tiwari is a great starter book to learn about Ayurveda. I read it to figure out why I was feeling frazzled in the first place. The book states that we must eat foods and create routines that nurture our dosha so that we can be our best selves. I wasn't doing that, so I slowly began incorporating some of the suggestions of the book: daily meditation, eating nourishing foods (that agreed with my body), not pressuring myself to complete my to-do list, and expressing gratitude. Slowly, I began to see improvements that helped me uncover my spirit. For so long I felt like an imposter in my own life. I depended on external factors and people to validate me and bring me internal happiness. It wasn't until I looked within that I found the answers that I was looking for. It sounds super cheesy, but everything we need in life is already within us.
Ayurveda taught me to love myself unconditionally. Love myself so that I can truly love others. When feelings of anxiety, or depression arise, its because deep down I feel inadequate. Love is the answer to everything. It taught me that Mother Nature provides us with everything we need or want to survive. Food, water, sunshine, fresh air, and nature. Most of which we take for granted. Ayurveda taught me to forgive myself, so that I can forgive others. Resentment, guilt, and hatred are all resistant to love. Contentment, joy, and gratitude are freedom.
There's nothing more liberating than looking in the mirror and loving the reflection you see. Life is the best teacher there is, and I'm grateful to forever be a student.