The beautiful science of Ayurveda gives such a simple yet logical explanation of why we suffer from stress, depression and anxiety. The answer to these modern afflictions is in Nature. Simply put everytime we fall out of sync with Nature’s rhythms we become sick. Stress takes over our mind which in turn takes over our body and then we know what happens next. At some point I am sure we all have experienced stress and its consequences - not fun right ? In the past I have had my fair share of these afflictions too. But then I
discovered Ayurveda and my life was put upside down in the best way possible.
As I progressed with my studies, I learnt that Ayurveda speaks of three Gunas (qualities) that pervades all of Nature and that shape our mind and thoughts. These three Gunas are known as Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Briefly, Rajas is movement, agitation and passion, and Tamas is inertia, dullness and darkness. While we need Rajas and Tamas but not in excess, Sattva is the quality we should strive for and seek in everything we do in life. We should cultivate Sattva with our food, thoughts, sensory impressions, relationships, lifestyle, and
work.
But what is this Sattva I used to ask myself. Is it even real or is it just an esoteric thought?
Then I learnt that Sattva is purity, luminosity, truth, honesty, goodness, virtue, equanimity. Still this Guna theory struck me as such an abstract concept difficult to grasp and realize. Nevertheless, I wanted to allow it the benefit of the doubt and try seeking this quality. So I started cultivating Sattva with food. Ayurveda says our kitchen can be a pharmacy if we choose the right ingredients right? Sattvic food includes fresh fruit,
fresh vegetables, ghee, cow milk, rice, mung beans, nuts, seeds, and freshly cooked meals. But Sattva can also be cultivated by taking in positive impressions and literally feeding the senses with pure impressions like the color of the rising or setting sun; the different shades of blue of the sky; the birds singing; the deep green color of fresh grass; the vibrant colors of flowers and their sweet fragrance. Sattva can pervade all of our body
from head to toe. We can breathe it, eat it, feel it, touch it and live it.
It took patience, perseverance and commitment to finally experience the magnitude of Sattva and once I experienced it I wanted more and more of it.
But what does it feel like you may ask? Well, for me I know I am experiencing Sattva when I find myself smiling for no particular reason, when my emotional heart expands, when I feel light inside and a sense of peace pervades all of my being, when smiling to a complete stranger feels simply good. When I feel limitless I know I am in a state of Sattva. WOW! Mind Blowing ! Isn’t it? This is how I finally experienced Sattva.
Sattva is that kind of ambrosia that will make you feel high and its only side effect is bliss;
It’s that kind of nectar you cannot get enough of;
It’s that kind of nectar that will slowly heal your body, your mind and your soul;
It’s that kind of state that will make life worth living.
I took the liberty to rename Sattva Nature's serotonin. Sattva is Nature’s divine Amrita and you should not be afraid of taking in too much of it. Finally, what has Sattva taught me ? It has taught me to cook with love, to honor my body, to soften, to be content and appreciate what has been given to me, to trust my Guru and ultimately trust the Divine. We should make every day a Sattva day!
You can learn more about the study and practice of Ayurveda through Acharya Shunya's online
course, Alchemy through Ayurveda.
About Marinella Asole
With Ayurveda was love at first sight. My journey with it started about 9 years ago when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I subsequently studied it for 2 years earning a certificate in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling and Marma Therapy. It was not until I came across Acharya Shunya Global Satsang that I developed a heartfelt interest in Vedanta and Yoga. That was a profound life changing experience and moment of truth. I have now been formally studying under Acharya Shunya since 2019 and informally through her Global Satsangs and YouTube channel for several years. I have completed the Alchemy through Ayurveda course, the Sovereign Self Paradigm course and am currently enjoying the Vedic Way course. After so many years I am still mesmerized by Ayurveda and now by Vedanta, Yoga and the Vedic lifestyle:)
Acharya Shunya is a globally-recognized spiritual teacher and Vedic lineage-holder who awakens health and consciousness through the Vedic sciences of Ayurveda, Vedanta and Yoga. She is the driving force behind an online wisdom school and worldwide spiritual community, and the author of best-selling book on the Vedic art of mind + body + soul well-being and health, Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom (Sounds True, 2017) and her second book, Sovereign Self (Sounds True, 2020). Acharya Shunya is a keynote speaker at national and international conferences, and serves as an advisor to the Indian Government in matters pertaining to global integration and cultivation of Ayurveda and Yoga. Receive her free online teachings and browse her current eCourse offerings here or see more about her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram. Study Ayurveda with Acharya Shunya in her online course, Alchemy through Ayurveda.
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