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31 Aug

Chanting (Kirtan)

Kirtan is an ancient musical art form that could be compared to our modern American Gospel music.  By chanting holy Sanskrit mantras, kirtan helps to awaken the dormant love present in the heart.  It brings the chanter a deeper realization of oneself and of one’s purpose in life.  Kirtan is often performed in a group setting as a simple call and response kind of a song.  It is a way to escape the clutter in our mind, and to be lifted into the vibration of musical energy.  The songs often go for 20-30 minutes, with periods of silence in between songs.  The effect is a feeling of peace, joy, and inspiration.

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31 Aug

Neti and Nasya

Neti is the ayurvedic technique to clear the sinuses using warm salt water.  Using a neti pot, you can gently pour the water into one nostril and allow it to drain out the other nostril.  This is really good for times when you feel congested or are bothered by allergies.  As we are getting into Vata season, when the weather is cold and dry, and we are often indoors where the air is heated and dry, it is important to keep the sinuses lubricated.  When the sinuses are dried out, they overcompensate by creating excess mucus, which can be a breeding ground for infections.  Salt water can also dry out the sinuses, so it is a good idea to follow up the Neti with Nasya.  To lubricate the sinuses, sniff some sesame oil.  Put a few drops of warm sesame oil on a cotton swab and sniff deeply through each nostril.  Another way to keep sinuses moist during this time of year is to use a humidifier in your home.

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31 Aug

Diwali

Today, November 1st, is the day to celebrate Diwali, the festival of Light.  Diwali is also known as Deepawali. “Deepa” in Sanskrit means “light” and “avali” means “a row.” Diwali celebrations in India are similar to Christmas and Hanukkah festivities in the west.  There are actually five days of celebration, with Diwali, the third day, falling on the new moon night.  This is considered an especially auspicious time for shopping, starting new projects and businesses or moving into a new home.  To commemorate these special days, it is traditional to exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry.  Since this is the festival of lights, candles and lanterns are very important to have in every household.  The flame is a symbol of an illuminated mind.  Check out some beautiful Diwali e-cards at:
http://www.diwali-greetings.com

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31 Aug

Seva

“Seva” is a Sanskrit word meaning selfless service.  Seva is doing good work, helping others, without attachment, and without any desire for personal gain.  Performing Seva on a regular basis is one way for us to become more aware of our connection with the divine.  Just one small act of Seva a day can bring about tremendous spiritual growth.

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31 Aug

The Doshas and Compatibility

When we understand how the doshas influence our personalities, then we can use this information to help us get along better with the people in our lives.  It’s about loving “what is” rather than what we think “should be.” thats about acceptance, and allowing people to be who they are instead of trying to change them.  Since the “What’s Your Dosha, Baby?” book came out, I have had lots of feedback from people who tell me what a difference this knowledge of Ayurveda has made in their relationships.  I decided to take it one step further and create the very first Ayurvedic online dating site, DoshaMatch.com.  Of course there are many dating sites, but we are the only that asks, “What’s Your Dosha?” DoshaMatch is just getting started, so keep an eye on it and you’ll see new people all the time.  We have members from all over the world!  I know that often people are looking for someone right in their own geographic area, but don’t let location stop you!  When I met my husband, Greg, he was living in Australia ¬â€Å“ and he moved to the U.S. just for me.  By the way, I’m a Vata, and he’s a Pitta, so writing the Vata Woman/Pitta Man chapter of the book was very easy!  There’s a perfect Dosha Match out there for all of us.

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31 Aug

Shavasana

At the end of a yoga class, the instructor has us lie down in corpse pose, or shavasana.  Shavasana means relaxation in Sanskrit.  We don’t have to wait for the end of a yoga class to practice this!  Shavasana is a conscious letting-go of tension.  To get into this mode, find a place on the floor where you can be comfortable, and stretch out on your back.  Place your legs slightly apart, and rest your arms alongside your body with the palms upward.  Vatas may want to cover themselves with a blanket to keep warm.  Allow your body weight to sink into the floor.  Relax each part of your body, from your toes up to your head, looking for areas where you may be holding tension, and breathing the tension out of the body.  As you relax, bring your attention to your breath.  Shavasana is a state of restful awareness, so try not to fall asleep!

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31 Aug

Marma Therapy

Prana is the Sanskrit word for energy, or life force, or breath.  Yoga uses physical poses to increase and regulate prana through the body.  Marma therapy is a technique used in Ayurvedic practice which helps to move prana through the body to assist in balancing, and healing.  Marma therapy is similar to acupressure in that there are marma points to which pressure is applied.  There are 107 primary marma points which, correspond to places on the skin.  However, these points are not fixed, but can differ in location from one person to another.  A sensitive therapist can locate the area of congestion and work to get the prana moving.  Marma therapy can also be practiced routinely in self-care and it is a simple and effective healing technique.

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31 Aug

Doshas and Learning Styles

Vatas learn quickly, but they then forget quickly as well.  It is helpful for Vatas to write things down, and carry a day-planner or a Palm-type organizer with them all the time.  Vatas learn best by listening.  A good technique for studying is to listen to a book on tape while reading along.

Pittas have a good, sharp, general memory.  Pittas are visual learners, so it is helpful for them to have charts, graphs and pictures to refer to.  They will remember something better if they read it rather than if they hear it, so keep “to do” lists for them.

Kaphas take more time learning things, but once they learn them, they don’t forget.  Kaphas learn best by association, so tell them stories that relate to the lesson at hand, or give examples of experiences they can remember which apply to what they need to learn.

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31 Aug

Doshas and Exercise

The basic rule in Ayurveda is to exercise to 75 % of your capacity.  Don’t work out until you are exhausted and depleted.  Stop when you are still feeling good but can see that time coming.  This way, you will build up your stamina and strength.

Recommended exercise for balance:
Vata:  Low-impact – Yoga, Walking, Dancing
Pitta: Competitive or team sports, baseball, tennis, or Water sports, swimming
Kapha:  Stimulating, regular exercise, bodybuilding, running

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31 Aug

Behavior Rasanayas

Rasayana means “recommendation.”  The following Behavior Rasayanas are for all of the doshas.  It is said that following these instructions will help us to avoid contradictions in the mind and therefore prevent physiological strain.  They are a reminder of the simple things we can do to help ourselves, and, in turn, to help the world.

-Be honest and kind.
-Be free from anger.
-Abstain from immoderate behavior.
-Be nonviolent and calm.
-Observe cleanliness in yourself and your environment.
-Be charitable toward others.
-Observe a regular daily routine.
-Be loving and compassionate.
-Be respectful, especially to teachers and elders.
-Keep the company of the wise.
-Be modest, have good manners.
-Follow your religious beliefs, be self-disciplined.
-Keep a positive outlook.
-Devote yourself to the development of higher states of consciousness.

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