Why Ayurveda?

Ayurveda came to me when I was still working for the Department of Corrections (DOC). I had learned about Ayurveda through my yoga teacher training (YTT) and it had piqued my interest. Honestly my interest was more piqued by the way Ayurveda explained imbalances in the mind. And how the imbalances could be manifested outwardly in devastating (criminal) means. I was really interested in how I could bring Ayurveda more fully into the Criminal/Legal System for behavior change purposes. Part of my work with the Department of Corrections centered around bringing evidence-based practices to staff through skills like Motivational Interviewing (MI) and through Core Correctional Practices. The idea was to bring what researchers in criminology studied into a practical application for staff actually working in the field. I loved this work. MI was and still is a part of what I use in my day-to-day conversations, coaching sessions and trainings. It is profound… but back to Ayurveda. So, while I was fascinated with the implications of this practice from a work perspective, I knew I would need to take heed of these in my own life. 

I started to learn more about Ayurveda from a friend at the time. She taught me about Ayurvedic cooking but I wanted more! I started to work with an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) who saw me in a way I hadn’t been seen by other providers (and I want to be clear I am referring to medical providers). She sat and talked with me for some time, she asked about trauma in my life. She asked about what I did for fun. She got to know me and my story. My initial session with her, I was trying the vegan diet. And my digestion was a mess. She took time to explain how my body was not able to properly absorb the nutrients from the foods I was consuming. I was already dry by nature, living in a dry climate and then having mostly raw foods that, despite what we learn about salads in the West, is not super healthy. My AP gave me the permission I needed to start eating meat again. In YTT we learn about ahimsa (non-harming) and that many yogis will stop eating meat because of the harm it brings to the animal and when animals are raised in inhumane ways, this can cause harm to us as humans. However in Ayurveda, we learn more nuance. We learn that to ease the suffering of another is the highest calling, so if an animal, through its ability to provide nourishment and sustenance is used in a humane way, the alleged harm done is minimal or non-existent. There is also a concept called satmya. That is, something we are accustomed to and it can be something that is healthy or not healthy. I grew up eating meat, so in this way, I have satmya. I am accustomed to it. Now the other nuance in Ayurveda is the understanding of the qualities of food items. It is not about caloric intake or having a percentage of certain types of food groups. It is knowing the energetics of the food you consume so that you bring balance to your body. Most meat is considered to be nourishing and heavy. Something that my body desperately needed and most days still needs to this day. 

Something else that stands out about my early sessions with my AP is that when she asked what I did for fun, I was a little stumped. I liked to read (non-fiction only at the time) and I was still in my ‘lets’ go for a drink’ phase. I hiked, yes. And had a great group of friends, but there wasn’t too much lightness in my life at the time. We talked through some different ways I could bring in my levity, as this was a way to balance the seriousness and stress of my job with the DOC. 

I didn’t need a major medical intervention, I was not (and still am not) interested in having ‘routine medical appointments’, blood draws or invasive ‘check ups’ (read pap smears). If this is something you engage in, I accept that! And I support that for you, I trust that each person knows what is best for them and will engage in care that is best for them. I just know that for me, working with my own AP gave me a glimpse into deeper body awareness, and provided a greater sense of autonomy for my own ability to care for myself. 

After a few sessions over time, I gradually made progress. Though I had an established night yoga routine (restorative yoga), I added in abhyanga (self body oil massage).I started eating meat again. My digestion improved. I had more energy. I started sleeping better. 

The gift of Ayurveda is that it is a practice that can meet you where you are. By that I mean, if you have more chronic conditions going on, there are things to do for that. If you are fairly healthy, there are practices to maintain your health and propel you forward. Prevention is part of the Ayurvedic vocabulary. You don’t need to have something disruptive happening to engage. 

Fast forward to 2022 when I made the commitment to study Ayurveda formally. I began my course work with Kerala Ayurveda Academy. My understanding of Ayurveda has grown and continues to grow with each person I talk with about Ayurveda, each person I work with individually in sessions and in each time I try something new for my own wellbeing. It is a continual and magical practice. I am really honored to be able to share these teachings with you all. Ayurveda has been a life giving and life changing practice and process for me. I trust it will be for you too. 

So if you’re looking to maintain your trajectory or if you have something else going on and want additional support with your existing care, I would love to work with you.

Thanks for being here.