691: Ayurvedic Practices: Listener Questions Answered
This week on the Anxiety Slayer podcast we’re answering listener questions about some of the Ayurvedic practices we’ve been discussing for managing stress and anxiety.
Points discussed in this episode:
Can you explain how Ayurvedic practices such as meditation and breathwork contribute to cultivating peace(Sattva) and protecting the mind from negative influences?
by helping bring calm to the mind
by protecting us from behaving rashly
these practices support peace and clarity in the mind (sattvic qualities) which we can use to explore other areas that can help our wellbeing
Ayurveda and the understanding of the gunas is about knowing we can make choices that lift our consciousness and can support our aspirations and personal growth.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.”
How does Ayurveda view the role of mindfulness in making conscious choices for your mental well-being?
Ayurveda recommends practices that help us feel present and focused
Anxiety and unsettled thoughts are provoked by too much incoming information
The movement of our eyes affects the rate of our thoughts - anything that helps single pointed focus helps settle the mind.
Bringing stillness to the mind gives us a healthy base to consider our choices
Can you elaborate on how the foods we eat can impact our mental clarity and emotional balance?
Fresh foods are high in vital energy - called prana in Ayurveda
We are what we eat - Fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, nuts, seeds and oils are nourishing to the body and help support peace of mind. These foods are sattvic in nature, and they raise the level of sattva in our body and mind.
When we eat foods lacking in vitality: meat, stale, canned, or processed foods we don't receive the same support, those foods are also harder to digest.
It can take a while for dietary changes to be felt, but we soon become attuned to how we feel when we change our diet to fresher, home-cooked foods, and we notice the difference when we eat comfort and fast foods.
Take our 3 Gunas quizz on our Patreon - this quizz is public and free to all.
Book recommendations for easy experiments with sattvic cooking:
Divya Altar, Ayurvedic Chef: “The Joy of Balance” and “What to Eat for How You Feel”
Divya’s website also has a store with dal mixes, anti-inflammatory blends, and more at https://divyas.com/shop/
How can we navigate the pressure to constantly be busy and prioritize self-care and stillness without feeling guilty or unproductive?
the peace that comes from understanding and respecting our own nature
there’s protection in living according to our nature and leaning towards our aspirations (dharma)
most often, the pressure we feel is a societal norm. This does not mean it has to be your mode of operation. See it for what it is.
what if stillness and self-care can lead to increased productivity?
How can I incorporate Ayurvedic principles into my work environment to create a space that supports mental harmony and productivity?
bringing plants and quiet areas into the workspace
taking a flask of herbal tea to work for cleansing and hydration
taking a nourishing home cooked meal in for lunch, or exploring local options for a healthy fresh lunch
making you workspace as comfortable as possible for calm focus
using essential oils
taking stretching and breathing breaks as much as possible, getting outside on breaks
avoiding interactions that are stressful or disrespectful
Get over 200 Guided Relaxations, Tapping Sessions, and Ayurvedic Teachings for calming anxiety on our Patreon at Patreon.com/anxietyslayer