I also want to share with you about Rasayana, the Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation. Rasa means juice, while ayana means path. Thus, Rasayana is the path to getting juicy. The idea is to nourish yourself deeply, in an intentional way. By doing so, your body can regenerate and revitalize all of your organs, tissues, and systems—including your mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being.

Often, Rasayana herbs are Sattvic. Unlike stimulants such as coffee, which give us an immediate boost of energy, but can leave us wired and depleted, Rasayana herbs nourish our foundation. They help us create deep sustainable energy, physical strength, endurance, longevity and mental clarity. The Rasayana herbs I’m sharing with you here are safe, non-toxic, reduce stress and promote Sattva. I have so many cherished Sattvic herbs, and I’m sharing a few of my favorites with you below. (It is a good idea to check with your practitioner to make sure the addition of new herbs is appropriate for your health program.)

Ashwagandha is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow, semen and for Vata constitution. It is used for all conditions of weakness, fatigue, sexual debility and tissue deficiency. It is helpful for those suffering from overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion. Ashwagandha is nurturing, clarifying and calming for the mind and promotes deep, dreamless sleep.

Shatavari is a rejuvenating herb that cools the body and strengthens and nourishes the tissues. Shatavari balances female hormones, helps to relieve PMS symptoms, builds blood, prepares the womb for conception and is commonly used to improve the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. Sattvic (pure, harmonious) in nature, Shatavari calms the mind and promotes love and devotion.

Licorice can increase energy, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Just a few indications for licorice root include hyperacidity, coughs, fatigue, tiredness upon waking, elevated cortisol (the stress hormone) and blood sugar levels. Licorice calms the mind and nurtures the spirit. Avoid use if you have high blood pressure.

Tulsi, also called holy basil, is a highly Sattvic herb known in India as the “elixir of anti-aging.” Benefits of Tulsi include: fighting fatigue and stress, boosting the immune system, mind/body balance, regulating blood sugar, balancing hormone levels and unfolding love in the heart.

Brahmi is one of the most important nervine herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It revitalizes the brain cells, removing toxins and blockages in the nervous system, while at the same time having a calming and nurturing effect. Brahmi is one of the best herbs for balancing and rejuvenating Pitta and is closely related to the Western herb Gotu Kola.

Chyavanprash is a nourishing Ayurvedic herbal jam in a base of the Ayurvedic superfruit Amalaki. This nourishing mixture is an excellent support for the immune system and can bring replenishment and balance to the metabolism, respiratory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system.

Triphala is an herbal formula containing three powerful Sattvic fruits that help remove toxins and keep bowel movements regular. The antioxidant and detoxifying effects of Triphala nourish the body, allow the cells to naturally replenish and support a healthy immune system.

In addition to foods and remedies, Sattva can also be cultivated through meditation, yoga, kirtan (devotional singing), reading spiritual texts and by surrounding oneself with people on a similar spiritual path. In the final article in this series: Part Three, I share more about lifestyle and spiritual practices for a blissful life.

When we put our attention on cultivating Sattva, we raise our vibration and good things come to us and those around us. You can read my full article about Sattva, Food and the Mind HERE.

The short-term action of rajas is to stimulate and provide pleasure. In the long run, excessive rajasic qualities will result in pain, suffering, fragmentation, and disintegration due to its unbalanced nature.

Tamas is the quality of inertia, dullness, darkness, and ignorance and is obstructing and heavy in its action. It is the force responsible for sleep, gravity, and the decay of matter. Tamas veils one’s true nature by promoting ignorance, limitations and isolation.

The three gunas directly relate to the three doshas. The term dosha literally translates as “fault,” “mistake,” or “altered state,” but it is commonly known as one’s basic constitution. Sattva has an affinity to pitta dosha, the biological humor of fire, responsible for metabolism and transformation. Rajas relates to vata dosha, the biological humor of air, which performs the functions of movement and communication. Tamas has qualities similar to those of kapha dosha, the biological humor of water, which provides structure, resistance, and lubrication.

According to Ayurveda, rajas and tamas are the doshas of imbalanced states of the mind; sattva is the true nature of the mind. We all have sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic tendencies, and we need all of them to some degree—but we can prioritize developing our sattvic side, especially if we’re on a spiritual path. Excess rajas and tamas can lead to disease if they remain the dominating forces.

To unfold sattvic qualities in one’s mind, body, and consciousness, it is best to follow a lifestyle with an emphasis on a sattvic diet: foods that are purely vegetarian, organic, seasonal, local, homegrown, fresh, and tasty. Or, at least follow this lifestyle at different times.

We can also bring balance to rajas and tamas with the power of sattvic remedies. This can be enjoyed regularly by taking herbs and tonics that deeply nourish and uplift. In Part Two of this series, I share a few herbal teas and remedies with you to promote sattva.

In addition to foods and remedies, sattva can also be cultivated through meditation, yoga, kirtan (devotional singing), reading spiritual texts and by surrounding oneself with people on a similar spiritual path. In Part Three I share more about lifestyle and spiritual practices for a blissful life.

When we put our attention on cultivating sattva, we raise our vibration and good things come to us and those around us. You can read my full article about Sattva, Food and the Mind below.

To be successful with an Ayurvedic lifestyle or new program, we don’t need to be perfect.

One thing I tell my Ignite Your Life Reset clients is that it’s better to aim for progress rather than perfection. 

If we feel we must follow a program perfectly, all the time, we are unlikely to succeed in the long term. We are human. We lead very busy lives. Sometimes we may fall off our program, even with the best intentions.

It is important that we are kind and gentle with ourselves.

For example, my pitta dosha-type client Jennifer was very excited about getting going with her new self-care practices and morning and evening routines. She followed her plan quite well for the first week. Then her kid got sick, and her dog needed to go to the vet unexpectedly. She ended up missing some work, getting behind with household chores and then, guess what?

Her morning and evening routines dropped out one by one, then she stopped doing them altogether.

She even started eating ice cream before bed again.

Jennifer was feeling badly about herself and didn’t want to tell me she had quit her self-care practices.

In our next session, she finally told me what happened. She was feeling so good that first week and then life happened, and she stopped taking care of herself.

This is exactly what I coach most of my clients on:

~ Practice progress over perfection ~

Jennifer has since learned that she does not need to strive for perfection.

If three of her morning practices drop out sometimes, but she chooses to have her warm lemon elixir be non-negotiable, she is winning.  Doing one nourishing practice is better than none.

Do you see how that works?

On days when she has more time, she can prioritize her self-care and bring her other favorite practices back in.

Another thing I often hear myself telling my clients is that: it’s what we do most of the time that counts.

For example, if we stick to our ideal bedtime for five nights a week, then occasionally stay up late on the weekends with social activities, it’s okay.  As long as we return to our regular rhythms, again and again.  When we prioritize our bedtime most nights, our nervous system, hormones and metabolism will thank us.

With so many tasks to keep up with, people to care for and societal pressures, daily life can feel overwhelming. I completely get it and experience it myself at times.

That’s when I try to remember to ask myself: what will support and nourish me the most right now?  Sitting at the computer for one more hour or getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine?

Usually, when we drop in and listen to our hearts, we’ll get the clear message and know what to do. That’s how powerful and magical this can be.

So, if you’ve been considering joining my Reset, checking in for an Ayurvedic Consultation, or thinking about committing to a resolution or lifestyle change, just know that others and I are NOT judging you.

In fact, I’m cheering you on every step of the way as you gain realistic, small wins.

This ultimately amounts to a sustainable way of living, eating and being in the world.

Demonstrating that you’re okay with progress rather than perfection frees others to also be more gentle and compassionate with themselves…..

I will close with a question.
What is one area in your life you can let go of perfectionistic tendencies and extend yourself some grace?

Please reach out and let me know.

Seattle does have a famous reputation. In these long, sometimes dreary days of winter in the Pacific Northwest, even the most positive, upbeat individuals get stretched. Many people keep remarking that it’s been challenging to remain energetic and happy with so many days of rain and overcast skies. We know it comes with the territory of living in this abundant and diverse northwest city. We choose to live here so let’s make the most of it!

The wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga direct us back to our own personal practices. In Sanskrit, daily personal practice is called sadhana.   Sadhana is something you do regularly to support your physical-emotional-spiritual well being. It could be your daily walk around the lake, 15-minute yoga practice, meditation, preparing your favorite cup of tea or simply a doing nothing for a few minutes. Take a moment to reflect on your current Sadhana. What are you doing these days to nourish yourself?  I am personally committed to getting outside and connecting with Nature everyday, rain or shine.  It makes such a huge difference with my attitude and energy!

Now is an excellent time to put some new supportive practices in place, perhaps in the morning before leaving the house or in the evening before retiring for the night.

When we care for ourselves in this way, we raise our vibration. This means we lift our energy up to a higher place that is noticeable to others and ourselves. We literally start radiating more aliveness and light. Getting present with the love and light within us has an impact. So, during the last few days of winter, remember to Be The Light!