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Is beauty really skin deep? Does six - pack abs and rippling glutes
mean true strength? Is it possible to have a healthy body without a
healthy mind?
These are really big, deep questions. It is all but
impossible to answer them in a short blog post such as this one. (
By the time I finished writing, this post wasn't all that short anymore.) It is
my hope, though, that what I am about to share with you sparks your
interest, whets your appetite and guides you on your journey of healing
and self - discovery. So, shall we?
We all are familiar with how western
medical system operates, so I won't spend too much time writing about
it. However, there are a few rather important points that I cannot miss.
It
is a common knowledge that modern medicine places utmost importance on
symptom management. This approach is highly compartmentalized with many
sub-specialties within specialties, which are consistently fragmenting
the body into smaller and more isolated parts. It is nearly impossible
to find a doctor who would look at you as a human being with body, mind
and a beating heart, rather than a collection of unrelated symptoms. If
you have been to a medical establishment any time lately, none of this
is of a surprise to you.
However, what I am about to tell you now might be.
While
we recognize how deeply the Cartesian split - the separation between
the body and the mind, the inner and outer self - has penetrated the modern
medicine, we are blind to the fact that for many of us the very same split
still rules our minds. It is ever present when we discount our thoughts,
feelings and emotions to search for better health by only taking
vitamins, try to improve our skin by only using topical treatments, or
believe that core strength exists only at the level of muscles and
ligaments. We haven't yet fully embraced the innate wholeness
of our body-mind.
Just ask anyone who is stressed - out, burned
-out or suffering with illness how he or she feels about their body.
Most likely you won't find a single person that loves or at least is
comfortable with their body. The majority will probably have serious
complaints about one characteristic or body part, while the rest - a
vague discontent about their appearance or health. Our self - image -
whether or not we are lovable or beautiful in our own eyes - directly
affects how we experience life. When we feel unattractive,
overweight, fatigued, troubled by physical symptoms, or obsessed with
food, our self - esteem is often decimated by harsh negative feelings
about our bodies.
According to Ayurveda, self - esteem is at the
very core of healing.
You are most likely familiar with Ayurveda as the
traditional system of diet, exercise and daily routine. While diet and
exercise are important part of Ayurvedic approach to health and healing,
they are really just the tip of the iceberg. The real strength of Ayurveda is in seeing the body - mind as a united whole. From
that perspective, our sense of self - esteem becomes our cells' sense of
self - esteem. Self - esteem, self - confidence, and self - respect
promote cellular intelligence, which is necessary for proper cell
function, health and immunity.
Modern science is just starting to
acknowledge the importance of body - mind connection through the field
of psychoneuroimmunology. Deepak Chopra writes" At the very instant that
you think, " I am happy," a chemical messenger translates your emotion
into a bit of matter so perfectly attuned to your desire that literally
every cell in your body learns of your happiness and joins in."
Experiential understanding of the field of intelligence that connects
our bodies and minds has been the corner stone of Ayurveda for five
thousand years.
The advantage of Ayurveda is that it is the most
systematic approach to health and well - being. It meets you exactly
where you are and is concerned with any condition, mental or physical,
that falls short of perfect health. It embraces the balance in physical
well - being through proper diet, exercise and daily routine. It
recognizes that true health, strength and beauty are impossible to reach
without complete and total integration of body and mind.
However,
the lessons of Ayurveda are all but meaningless without an effective
method to achieve the seamless integration of mind, body and spirit. Many of us think that
being healthy or beautiful will make us happy. The truth is the other
way around. You must first create a whole and happy inner life, so that "
every cell in your body learns of your happiness and joins in."
This
year Satori celebrates the timeless teachings of
Ayurveda with two premier events:
The Urban Ayurveda Retreat on May 5
Perfect Health Retreat October 19 -21.
Please join Satori to take
the first step towards creating the life of your dreams. Deeply informative and experiential, Satori Ayurveda Retreats deliver the powerful means of healing and transformation.
Stretch, bend and breathe in the morning yoga class.
Spend some quiet time in meditation.
Learn about the foundations of Ayurveda and take a detailed self - test to determine your body and skin type.
Enjoy delicious, nourishing meal prepared using fresh, local ingredients.
Reconnect with yourself through waking meditation and journaling.
Join the healing circle and celebrate YOU!
PERFECT HEALTH RETREAT
October 19 - 21, 2012, Overlander Mountain Lodge, Jasper National Park
Immerse yourself into daily Aurvedic routine and experience well - being on a cellular level.
Weekend Within Retreat provides a safe and nurturing environment to
unravel and let go of the past, and creates an unstoppable momentum for
healing and growth.
It is an honor to be a part of your journey as you work toward achieving the extraordinary life you want and deserve. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
See you in the class and on the mat.
With lots of love,
Julia
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