Welcome in Gratitude and Contentment
By: Kim Rioux
The holidays can be a stressful time for many people for many reasons.
While there are some circumstances that we are not able to control, there are other ways we can improve our overall physical and mental well-being over the next couple of months. The ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda teaches us to return to our roots, to connect with the breath, and to live in the present moment.
This is the time of year that it is common to feel depleted and drained. We have just wrapped up a season of physical and mental strain as we most likely have been non-stop trying to enjoy every ounce of sunshine (or rain in the Northeast!) spending time outdoors with gatherings, long beach days, summer vacations, summer festivals, or maybe you work outside in the sun and heat. This in and of itself is depleting. Essentially you have been running on empty. Digestion has been slowed down from the heat of the summer months and the body is not as strong. We become prone to illness and dis-ease. Entering the winter months, we can build up the digestive fire again.
Now, enter the holidays when not only physical and mental energy is frail, but also social-emotional health. Reducing stress and maintaining a positive outlook will boost immunity and spirits. You have the freedom to choose how you nurture yourself. It doesn’t take any unnatural resources.
Create space to be mindful and aware – you may welcome each day with a moment of silence or end your day the same. Perhaps you vow to waking during Brahmamuhurtha – aka the most auspicious time of day, 136 minutes prior to sunrise – to take advantage of your meditation practice; or, just finding yourself in a comfortable seat, paying attention to the rhythm of your breath can be enough to reset.
Gratitude – acknowledge what brings you joy. It is easy to be consumed by industry trends that distract us from what already provides us contentment. Worry less about what you don’t have in your possession. What would happen if you welcome in contentment with what you already have (Santosha)? The opportunity to begin again, to feel the warm rays of the sun, to smile at a passing stranger, to say thank you and you are welcome.
Food choices – Ayurveda suggests the 80:20 rule and to acknowledge the effort you are putting in to making wholesome food choices that suit your personal needs. Let go of the grip. Embrace those moments when you are able to eat wholesome, fresh food.
Sleep – with shorter days, make a commitment to go to bed 30 minutes earlier. Your sleep cycle is so important to bring out your full potential and to keep your focus on creating positive and uplifting energy.
Compassion – for self, and others. Be kind. Be gentle.
If you are looking for more ways to connect with your inner wisdom and develop more self-care practices that integrates a holistic approach to your well-being, submit a request form to learn more about our upcoming programs and trainings!
We would love to share the knowledge of Ayurveda with you as well as the personal and professional transformation that we have experienced. Contact Enrollment Specialist, Kim Rioux at enrollmentbas@gmail.com if you would like to set up an appointment.