As I sit in the lodge of this beautiful retreat center for our spring equinox retreat, I’ve been thinking about Ayurveda and how it’s enriched my life. 

Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga and the medicine system of India and complements those practicing yoga by giving us tools to live a healthy life when we’re off the mat. 

There are many aspects of Ayurveda that I love but today I wanted to share about the concept of ojas, our essence, our vitality. It is also directly linked to our immunity. Both vitality and immunity are the two things I’ve been focusing on this season as the colds/flus and tiredness from all the things has a way of taking me down. Retreats are one of my favorite places to refill my cup, to slow dow and regenerate. 

Ojas is governed by the dosha, kapha, which is made up of the elements of earth and water. Winter is the kapha season and is the time for regeneration. The plants go dormant, the animals are less active and we, naturally slow down. 

That being said, the day to day hasn’t slowed down. Breakfast, lunch prep and getting us out the door to preschool and to teach doesn’t lend itself for a slow morning. Cleaning up at the end of the night and winding down doesn’t seem to be happening earlier so I’ve been sitting with – how to do I make space to regenerate? 

I’ve started incorporating a weekly restorative class at the studio I teach at – it happens right after my class so I’ve been staying later. Shoutout to my dad for watching Karmen while I consciously slow down!

Also:
Karmen and I are reflecting on parts of the day we enjoyed, taking a moment to light a candle or incense on my altar each night. 
I’m still reading in bed for 20-30 minutes every night before bed to shift gears before bed. 
I’m making lots of soups/stews in the instant pot. 

Sharing from my teacher Shiva Rea’s article “Because ojas is the superfine essence of kapha, it is related to the desirable qualities of kapha in the body, such as strength, nourishment, steadiness, protection, and regeneration. All of these attributes are what help to keep us healthy in times of stress or exposure to illness, so they are well worth cultivating!

As I age, I’ve been focusing on this more in my yoga practice and daily life. Choosing foods that give my more energy versus diminish it. Spending time with people who feed me instead of drain me. 

This is a gentle reminder to continue making time to nourish yourself in the ways that make your heart hum. 

What practices are you currently seeking for regeneration? How are you cultivating more ojas?