Is there more to life than what we can see? Are their different ways to heal? To live? We’re coming full circle: from ancient belief systems, to modern science, to a combination of the two approaches. What was once seen as alternative, is becoming accepted as fact.  

In recent years it’s become increasingly clear that the connections between our mind, emotions and body play a major role in our overall wellbeing. It’s the same with mental wellbeing, where practices such as mindfulness and meditation, that cultivate awareness of the body and the mind, are becoming accepted. These understandings echo what has been written in many ancient texts from the Eastern philosophies.

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Ancient thinking for modern living

There are many ways to bring positive change into our lives, without needing to follow strict practices. One philosophy that’s again coming to the fore is Ayurveda, a system of healing that has remained alive for over 5,000 years. The roots of Ayurveda lie in India where it is practiced to help achieve life’s purpose (known as Dhama), without the limitation of disease. From the start, poor health was recognised as an obstacle to spiritual liberation and so ancient seers passed on their knowledge, on how to live disease-free. This great science is more than a system of healing; it teaches us how to live with the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

Ayurvedic beliefs are rooted in the fact that human life and existence itself is cyclical in nature. Day becomes night, planets move through the sky, the seasons change: we humans are part of the greater cosmos and are influenced by these cyclical events. Ayurvedic knowledge provides tools and advice that allow you to live in harmony with these natural cycles.

Turn off the auto-pilot

We all wake up and carry on our daily activities. Over time, as these routines are repeated, they become an unconscious act and we do them without thinking, often consuming things mindlessly and without consideration. Ayurvedic routines and practices help us to reconnect with our body: to ask, “Am I hungry?” and “How do I feel today?”. The answers help us make informed choices about how to create the perfect balance for today: through our actions, diet and lifestyle. This empowers us in relation to our health and wellbeing, playing an important role in the prevention of problems.

Living in the moment

Ayurveda understands that every cell is a centre of awareness and there exists a flow of awareness which is carried by Prana, the life force. When we tap into that flow, or become conscious of it, we are connecting to the very existence of life itself and coming closer to the self.

Heightened awareness of the physical body essentially brings us into the now. Into the present moment. Why is living in the moment so conducive to healing? Because in the present moment, transformation occurs, digestion occurs, life occurs. By staying in the moment, we can digest and process each experience – minimising the emotional baggage which can eventually influence our actions and take us further away from our truth and peace.

When we’re not being aware, our mind can go over old worries and anxieties about the future – these can be useful, but don’t always serve us best. The only truth is in the present moment and with Ayurvedic principles, you come closer and closer to this with each taste, each sensation and each breath.

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