|
Namaste
As summer reluctantly gives way to fall, I'm writing
this in the midst of a Santa Ana condition, the doshic
balance changes from Pitta (Fire) to Vata (Air). The
heat of the summer has led to the dryness of fall. As
part of nature, it is important for us to change with
the
seasons by adjusting our diets and lifestyles.
I am really enjoying teaching the sixteen enthusiastic
students enrolled in the "Wisdom of Ayurveda" class
at UCI.
As a hands-on course, everyone gets something new
to tryout each week, which leads to much discussion
and interaction. The course will be offered again next
spring.
"That person who always eats wholesome food,
enjoys a regular lifestyle, remains unattached to the
objects of the senses, gives and forgives, loves
truth, and serves others, is without disease.”
-Astanga Hrdayam IV.36
May all beings be with Peace,
Rob
| Fall Dietary Guidelines |
 |
|
Vata season in general is from October through
mid-winter, starting in Southern California when the
weather cools off and the Santa Ana winds blow and
ending in the midst of the rainy season. Vata is
associated with a windy, dry, and cold climate –
think desert in the winter.
As our external environment changes, it increases
Vata in our own internal environment. This is when it
is time to change our daily routines and diet so it is
in tune with the physical changes in the
environment. By living in tune with the natural laws
of the season a sense of balance can be maintained
and we will be able to build a stronger natural
immunity against the bugs that tend to attack during
this season.
|
| Fall Calming Teas |
|
|
When simplicity is the priority, a decaf chai or any
sweet and spicy teas are good for calming vata,
which predominates in the fall season. However,
making a custom tea with fresh herbs can open a
whole new world of sensory enjoyment. For those
interested in exploring further, consider the following:
Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a stainless
steel
saucepan:
Reduce heat to low and add:
- 1 Tbsp. dried licorice root, chopped or
sliced
- 1 tsp. whole cardamom seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 1/2 tsps. fresh ginger root, peeled and
grated
- 1 tsp. dried organic orange peel
- 1/8 tsp. Fennel seeds
Stir well. Cover and simmer over low for ten minutes.
Remove from heat and let the tea sit another five
minutes. Strain. Serve unsweetened, or sweeten to
taste with honey.
|
| The Cause of Disease |
|
|
Disease begins when we forget our true nature as
Spirit. In loosing this awareness, we understand
ourselves only as body and mind and become
wrapped up in the nature of the physical world and
all of its stories and dramas. This results in
disturbances within the mind. These disturbances
or “vrittis” disturbs the mental tranquility and cause
challenging emotions to bubble up onto our
awareness. These emotions upset the biological
energies, which control the body, and the result is
physical disease. Forgetting our true nature as Spirit
is the primordial cause of all disease.
|
|
Free Introductory Lecture |
|
|
|
October 13th, 7-9 PM in Laguna Beach
Lecture topics include:
- Introduction to Ayurveda
- Constitution and balance
- Food as medicine
- Balancing through opposites
- 13 tips for healthy eating
- Questions and Answers
Download flyer and directions
|
|
