
To me, Ayurveda is a way to find balance and live sustainably. When I see the wonderful effects my new ways have on my mind, body and spiritual life, Ayurveda becomes a choice that is easier to make. It has some guidelines, sure, but it doesn’t mean I’m not free to choose. It gives me clarity so I can choose consciously, and makes a connection between the cause and the effect.

Another important aspect of finding balance with Ayurveda, is the way we eat. We place a lot of focus on what we eat today, and that’s important too, but also consider how you eat. Are you standing up? Eating while walking? Or while reading the news on your phone? Do you feel rushed and stressed through your meals? Or forget to chew your food?
Ayurvedic eating and living assures that what we consume we will digest well by creating an environment that brings balance. If you have a lot on your plate in life, make sure your mealtime creates some counterbalance. Sit down, turn off your phone, close your eyes and chew your meal. Notice what it brings to you, and open up fully to receive the nourishment. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

For example, I aim to cook most of my meals myself, and I often get curious questions when I open my steaming thermos at work. This has started many refreshing conversations over food and health. I usually explain how Ayurveda has helped me find the importance of balance of the gurvadi gunas (the opposites). For example, if we have to much heat, we need to cool down. On the other hand, if our hands and feet are cold, we need warmth and grounding through our food, lifestyle choices and activities.
Another example of my digestion becoming stronger and more balanced with Ayurveda is the health of my skin. I used to have prominent problems with acne, and they pretty much disappear when I live and eat the way I now choose to. Ayurvedic herbs and easily digested meals in combination with a low sugar diet has been a blessing and cure. I know now exactly what causes my problems and what to do so I can be free of them. I often get questions about this and I gladly share my experience and how I got help.
Another lovely way to spark an interest is to cook an Ayurvedic meal for a friend. I love sharing food with others! It’s also very simple and you can find loads of delicious recipes on the Hale Pule blog and in Myra Lewin’s book, Simple Ayurvedic Recipes. The Ayurvedic meals bring balance to us by grounding and nourishing us while also cleansing and extracting what we don’t need anymore. The balance between these two counter forces is a great help to our well-being.
So I have fun while learning about myself and Ayurveda. The word itself means “the science of life,” and it is also the science of me and my body. I see it as a learning experience that never ceases to surprise me. A never-ending adventure into my own health and longevity, that I intend to continue to explore.
You can follow and contact Lisa at @areyouvedic on Instagram, Facebook or through her homepage www.areyouvedic.co.uk.