Ayurveda and the Doshas

Courtesy of holisticonline.com

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. Dosha means "that which changes." It is a word derived from the root dus, which is equivalent to the English prefix 'dys', such as in dysfunction, dystrophy, etc. In this sense, dosha can be regarded as a fault, mistake, error, or a transgression against the cosmic rhythm. The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are required for the life to happen. In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha.

The three active doshas are called
Vata,
Pitta and Kapha.

We all carry characteristics of each of the doshas. You will find that you are predominately one over the other two.

Once you understand your dosha, you can understand how to keep in balance.

For example, I am predominately Pitta. When Pitta is out of balance these are some of the characteristics I might exhibit (don't be scared...)

Signs of Pitta Aggravation Angry, Irritable
Hostile, Enraged, Destructive
Impatient
Critical of self and others
Argumentative, Aggressive
Bossy, controlling
Frustrated, Willful, Reckless
Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer
Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams
Diarrhea, Food allergies
Bad breath, Sour body odor
Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes
Skin rashes
Boils
Bloodshot eyes
Acne
Weakness due to low blood sugar
Fevers, Night sweats

Sound familiar to anyone? More importantly, how can I bring this back into balance?
I can follow the food plan that favors the Pitta Dosha.

And follow these simple guidelines; Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control.

Ode to Surrender

This quote popped up during one of my many facebook surfing sessions:

"Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.”

Did you know this? Really know this? I guess it seems pretty obvious once read, but I wonder how many really live by this... I know it is a certain struggle for me. As the one of the many daughters of a generation of divorce, I imagine this is easier said than done. I suppose I am referring specifically to the vulnerable part.

Manipulation probably depends very much on your personality. However, over my short adult life (I am 30) I have observed a good portion of the population reacting to others.

Much of what I've observed is in effort to change (or manipulate, as the case may be) the environment to fit the need of the individual.

"Surrendering completely to love, be it human or divine, means giving up everything, including our own well-being or our ability to make decisions. It means loving in the deepest sense of the word. The truth is that we don't want to be saved in the way God has chosen; we want to keep absolute control over our every step, to be fully conscious of our decisions, to be capable of choosing the object of our devotion." - The Witch of Portobello, by Paulo Coelho

"If the opposition disarms, well and good. If it refuses to disarm, we shall disarm it ourselves." -Joseph Stalin (1879 - 1953)

And, ummmm how well does that work out? Not so much.

Om shanti.

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Mission

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Wholesome sweets for the most wholesome sweets in your life...

Vegan Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
courtesy of...cookiemadness.net)

1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour – spoon and sweep, don’t pack
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons applesauce
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup natural type peanut butter (Jif would be fine too)
1/4 cup peanuts (salted is fine)
1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips or 1/3 cup chopped up good quality chocolate

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Grind oats in processor. Add flour, baking soda and salt and pulse to mix.

Stir oil and both sugars together in a medium bowl. It’s okay to do this with a spoon – no need to pull out the electric mixer. Beat in applesauce, peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in peanuts and chocolate chips.

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, form dough into balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake until edges are golden brown, about 12-14 minutes, Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to racks; cool completely. Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Makes about 6 cookies


NO BUTTER! Non-hydrogentated.... sweeten these cookies more with organic products. YUMMY!

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In the words of Biggie Smalls... and if you don't know, now you know

As a vegetarian and yogini, I am often asked why I chose this path. The long and short answer for me is (well maybe not so short); I believe that you manifest through your actions. So, if I choose to nourish my body with that which has suffered, then that negativity will manifest in my body and my life.

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu May all beings be happy and free from suffering. With so many options as fortunate free citizens, why cause unnecessary suffering?

Among the spiritual and moral "Reasons" also dances around the basic nutrition information. Do you know that broccoli and asparagus, a couple of the many vegetable protein, have more protein than animal protein? Vegetables also are easier for the body to digest, allowing your body to benefit from the nourishment.

and.... to boot... your poop smells better!

Check out this GREAT article by Yoga Journal. It is fabulously educational.
The Roots of Vegetarianism