A Lesson in Subtle Awareness
This Axis Yoga Teacher Training student’s account of applying Ayurvedic principles to daily life is a beautiful example of how simple, yet profound, this system of health can be.
Entries by derik
A Lesson in Subtle Awareness: Objectives
I began my ayurveda experiment with two main objectives. First, bring greater awareness to my physical body and health. Second, work to integrate routine into my life as much as possible. I was not sure what to expect, but I knew that I would have the best chance at witnessing any subtle changes through a […]
A Lesson in Subtle Awareness: The Plan
As a vata provoked westerner I found the concept of routine extremely challenging upon first glace. The only routine I have had in most of my life is constant change: in my daily schedule, eating habits, etc. I even found a job that exaggerates my tendency toward irregular life patterns, which until now always felt […]
A Lesson in Subtle Awareness: The Results
The first day the process was wonderful. It felt great to wake early and practice asana while the sun rose and began to fill my living room. My sadhana practice was deep and I felt a real joy throughout my body – flush with new adventure. Breakfast was a profound experience of oatmeal and nature. […]
A Lesson in Subtle Awareness: Conclusion
I did have some beautiful moments during this experiment, glimpses of the potential for ayurveda to re-route my life to a place of greater health, joy and well being but I also saw the direct effect of many of my habitual actions that weakened my constitution and allowed both my prana to recede as well […]
Taking Time for Ayurveda
Ayurveda, this sister-science to yoga, is a journey of personal health. Axis Yoga Teacher Training students have the unique opportunity to apply their Ayurvedic lessons during the program. This student made time for two seemingly small changes but found interesting and lasting results.
Taking Time for Ayurveda: The Focus
My Ayurvedic experiment consisted of taking one meal a day in silence and performing abhyanga (oil massage). I’ve separated my experience of each practice in my narrative below.
Taking Time for Ayurveda: Silent Meals
Meals: On a typical work-day, I work through lunch, eating frantically at my desk and tasting no more than the first couple of bites of anything. On the days I actually break for lunch, I eat with friends, talking through most of the meal or getting lost in a good book, again experiencing very little […]
Taking Time for Ayurveda: Oil Massage
Abhyanga: When I first took on the abhyanga portion of the experiment, I expected to use some time in the evening to unwind and enjoy the oil massage and shower before bed. As usual, my evening activities, be them spending time with my children, grocery shopping, cleaning, or catching up on paperwork, took me right […]
Better Health through Ayurveda
The Axis Yoga Teacher Training program is one of the few to include the sister-science of Ayurveda. Students are able to experiment with the application of Ayurvedic principles to create a better understanding of its vast health benefits. This student applied several personal dosha recommendations for improved health.