A Connection to Nature

Ayurveda relies on the cycles of nature, from a daily routine, to seasonal food and practice choices, to the longevity of life. One of the greatest ways to practice ayurveda is to live in harmony with nature. Consider waking and sleeping with the sun. Eat foods that come from nature, and have processed only as far as what can be done in a kitchen. Use skincare that comes from food. Wear natural fibers. Use natural cleaners and soaps. Live sustainably.

Skincare

I see a lot of beauty products claim to be natural, ayurvedic, herbal, but none of them are safe to eat. The question is, how can you put something on your skin and expect the body to process it, if it's not made from all-natural ingredients? The toxins will still circulate in your system, so it's best to avoid most products sold at groceries and drug stores. As with food, most ayurveda products are made. You can make lotions, make-ups, tones and many other great products using food-quality ingredients!

The other thing to consider is that if you're healthy, you shouldn't need most of these products. Dryness can come from excess vata dosha, too much dry food or lack of oils in the diet. It can come from staying up late, travel, or a dry environment. Rather than slopping on lotion, try relieving what is actually causing the dryness. We always look for the root cause in ayurveda.

Milk

Milk is the foundation for ayurveda's golden child...ghee! Ayurveda is about using products in their natural, whole state, so using ultra-pasteurized milk is a crime against food. Look for the least processed milk in your community, or avoid using it. Ultra-pasteurized milk can last over a month in your fridge, and if you think that is natural, OMG!

If you have the great luck of access to A2 raw milk, you must bring it to a boil it before using (remove from heat immediately after). Milk is rarely used cold in ayurveda as it can be sticky, heavy, hard to digest, and blocks channels. Boiling it of course kills the bacteria, but it also "cooks" the milk to aid better digestion. You might boil the entire container and then store it in the fridge, or you can boil it as you use it.

Milk is great for cooling hot pitta dosha, soothing an active mind to help sleep and rebuild a depleted mind or body. Spice your milk (perhaps turmeric or dry ginger or cinnamon and nutmeg), heat it up (or bring to a boil if needed) and then enjoy this most wholesome snack! Remember milk is considered a food and not a drink, so good food combining is important too...no fruit or eggs with it.

Sustainability

In order to live in harmony with nature, we have to care for nature. Over-consumption adds to landfills, destroying our resources and pollution. All contribute to the decline of access to clean water, clean soil and clean air. Consider the following practices:

• garden and shop farmers' markets and locally for food
• thrifting and buying used
• compost your waste food - it will contribute to methane gas in the landfill
• buying less - buy quality instead of quantity
• have a fashion exchange in your community, where everyone brings their used clothing to trade
• stop using herbicides - allow the natural plants to grow, which in turns allows animals to maintain habitats
• use natural pesticides - try planting flowers and herbs that deter pests

Resources

The Good Dirt...sustainable living explained
This is such a great resource for learning about everything nature. Farming, fashion, products. Ayurveda is about connection with nature and real natural products. Learn where to find or make the products you need.
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