Back to Life

This first week back from India has been so interesting.  I feel like I'm an outsider in my own life and witnessing all of the people, places and events from afar.  It's like my vision has been cleared, and I see my whole life as "big picture."  I'm not back at work yet, so I have no routine, no serious obligations and my life is just wide open.

When I got back on Friday, I felt overwhelmed and in love with my boyfriend, Kevin.  He cleaned our entire place, left me a sweet note, came home with flowers and took me out to dinner.  I had been dreaming about that big, long hug for weeks.  As we sat at an outdoor Mexican place on our bustling street, I was looking around like a tourist, like I'd never been there before.  I was even looking at Kevin and thinking, "Wow, this guy's cute," as though he wasn't already "mine."  I was more quiet than usual because I didn't immediately verbalize every thought that came into my head.  It was such a strange feeling.

I've experienced this phenomenon again and again as I see friends (Wow, I see why we're friends!), enjoy my apartment and ease back into school life.  My concept of time has also shifted.  Before I left for India, I was constantly focused on my next step, next post, next project, next meal, next social event, go, go, GO!  Now I can step back and see all of the tremendous things that have already happened this year.  It really takes the internal pressure off to see how much I've already accomplished and not feel that nagging, urgent feeling to constantly need more.

Gratitude.  That's the overall essence of this week.  I'm so grateful for my life with it's bumps, beauty and love.  There is so much goodness, so many experiences waiting to manifest, so much learning and so much fun yet to have.  I don't have to force it, just flow with it.  Thank you for reading as I share this weird and amazing life.

My Ayurveda Adventure

 

Have you ever wished that you could take a time-out for a few weeks to rest, recharge and detox your soul?  That is exactly what happened when I went to Ayurvedagram near Bangalore, India.  As I sit at home writing this post in the early hours of the morning, completely jet lagged and utterly happy, I'm realizing that this trip was exactly what I needed.

Ayurvedagram means "Ayurveda village."  It is a gorgeous wellness oasis.  The stone walking path leads around sculpted gardens, a calming lotus pond and the traditional Kerala-style buildings of a palace.  Previous warnings of deep poverty, begging, illness and congestion had me prepared for something difficult and grueling.  Instead, my dad and I were greeted by our driver at the airport with a sign, whisked to the wellness center and treated with yoga, massage and 2-hour doctor consultations on our first day.  Not to mention delicious vegetarian food and very friendly staff.  I did have a mini break-down with the doctor in the first ten minutes of my consultation.  I blame the 20-hour flight, exhaustion and overwhelm.  I got to see my beloved teacher, Dr. Jay, for a few minutes because he happened to be in India at the same time.  It was funny to me that he's from India, but seeing his face reminded me so much of home and the many hours spent learning in the Wallingford Kerala Ayurveda Academy.  It was all too much and the tears bubbled over.  Luckily my doctor, Dr. Manu, passed me some tissues and told me never to suppress a natural urge, thereby giving me the green light to cry my heart out.  I love that man.

It took a few days to adjust to being on the other side of the world (12.5 hour time difference).  My dad and I greeted the daylight by walking the grounds and listening to nature.  During our stay, we saw white owls, huge butterflies, frogs, bats, squirrels that chirp, crows that caw so loud they wake you up, crickets, geckos, mosquitoes that loved me too much, dogs, turtles, geese and so many cows.  I reconnected with nature during many relaxing hours on our veranda with my journal, book and thoughts, watching and listening to the sounds.  When I first arrived at Ayurvedagram, I toured the gardens, library, yoga studio and wondered, "Am I going to be bored here?"  There were times when I wondered what to do with myself.  It was a real adjustment to release my need to be productive, soak in the moment and turn 45 minutes of meditation into the most important part of my afternoon.  It's incredible what comes up and out when not constantly distracted and busy with daily life.

During our stay, it was unusually busy for August.  The entire center was full, which meant that we made many international friends and enjoyed long meals and interesting conversations.  Guests from India, England, Malaysia, the States, Tanzania and the Netherlands joined us at the long table in the dining hall.  It felt like we got to have a healthy dinner party every night.  Most people go to Ayurvedagram with a specific health problem or to lose weight.  Many people had special diets, and we all learned the lingo that went along with each detox treatment.  It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but chatting about oil and herbal enemas and purgation days (herbal laxatives) became the new dinner table norm.

Our daily schedule:
6:00 morning walk
7:00 morning routine- a therapist arrives at your door to rinse your eyes, administer nasya (nasal drops), have you gargle with triphala water with honey and take your medicine (a shot of herbal goodness).
7:30 yoga class
8:30 morning treatment (incredible oil massages)
9:30 breakfast
12:15 pranayama (breathing exercises)
1:00 lunch
3:15 meditation
4:00 afternoon treatment
6:30 dinner

As you can see we were "busy," but it was all meant to help release toxins, clear the physical and mental clutter and learn to relax.  I love to walk and exercise and stay busy.  But during my time at Ayurvedagram, the doctors were focused on helping me heal my knee.  They told me not to walk too much.  So while my dad was power walking for 45 minutes in the morning, I was only allowed to take 2 laps around the grounds.  Maybe it took me going to India to finally learn how to rest.  My knee is doing better than ever and I was sent home with a big bag of herbal medicines and paste to continue my healing now.

This experience has helped my Ayurveda study really sink in.  I was able to experience so many different treatments (34 to be exact) with medicated oils specific for me and herbal medicine shots 4 times a day designed to strengthen my joints, slow down degenerative changes and improve metabolism.  Dr. Manu and Dr. Natasha shared so much Ayurvedic knowledge with me.  My lovely therapists pampered me multiple times a day and made me feel so cared for.  Our yoga teacher, Mohanty, taught and inspired me with new pranayama techniques and a loving example of the yogic lifestyle.  It was truly humbling to realize that there is so much more to learn and that I am still at the beginning of my journey with Ayurveda and yoga.  I know I've barely scratched the surface of India's rich culture.  I have a feeling this won't be my last visit.  I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to carve out this time, share this experience with my dad and come back feeling inspired and rejuvenated.  Let the Ayurveda adventure continue!

India is calling!

Tomorrow I leave for India.  I have been dreaming of this trip for over two years.  Part of what drew me to Ayurveda was the opportunity to travel to India and see where yoga and Ayurveda were born.  I want to experience how it's really done, in the most authentic way possible.  This feels like more than just a trip.  It feels like a spiritual voyage way outside my comfort zone.  It may not be pretty or even enjoyable all the time, but I know it's exactly what I need.  My dad and I will be doing something called Panchakarma (which means 5 actions).  It's a cleansing treatment that will take place over our 17 days.  I'm not sure what the Ayurvedic doctors will recommend for me, but I'm hoping to find a new approach for healing my knee.  I'm excited to take day trips to temples or markets or ashrams.  Whatever opportunities present themselves will be perfect for me.

Friends have told me all kinds of crazy stories about India.  One friend shocked me with her story of a woman dumping her baby in her arms and yelling, "Better life with you!" before running away, leaving my frightened friend in the middle of the street bawling and overwhelmed.  I've been reading books and learning in preparation for my trip.  However, I already know that nothing will prepare me fully.  I'm ready to proceed into this crazy, beautiful unknown country with an open mind and a deep respect.  The wellness center, Ayurvedagram, will take care of us.  This first trip to India needs a little hand-holding.  As much as I love to explore and be the adventurous traveler, I don't yet know the rules for India.  I feel humbled at the thought of this crowded, vibrant country.  As I pack my bag and leave my phone at home, I know that these are the moments that enrich and define my life.  See you in three weeks!

The Perfect Summer Salad

This week I made the perfect summer salad for Pitta season.  I was inspired by an amazing cookbook called Eat Taste Heal.  It was written by 3 Ayurvedic doctors and clearly outlines how to eat for your dosha.  Their website also has valuable information and resources about Ayurveda. 

This salad is refreshing and delicious.  I loved the creamy, cool dressing.

Dressing:

3 tablespoons sunflower oil

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons filtered water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped dill

1 teaspoon maple syrup

I blended these ingredients until smooth and stored them in the mason jar in the fridge.  It can be used for other salads up to one week.

Salad:

3 cups mixed greens (whatever is in season)

½ bunch watercress, stems removed, leaves rinsed, dried and torn into sprigs

12 thin slices of cucumber

1 avocado (cut into long slices)

Mix salad ingredients together and toss with the dressing mixture. 

This recipe is quick and ideal for a hot summer night.  The watercress adds an unexpected bit of spicyness.  Enjoy!

Ayurveda Class is Now In Session!

Hello friends!  I am so excited to share that I am offering my first Ayurveda class on July 14th from 2:00-3:15pm at Rainbow Natural Remedies.  It is a fun and interactive experience where students will eat, sample and try Ayurvedic foods, spices and beauty treatments.  It's everything that I would want in a class.  This incredible store feels like a spa right when you walk in.  Medicinal plants greet you with fresh fragrances.  The fountain waterfall bubbles as you peruse herbs, lotions and potions.  The class is held in the book room in the back of the store.  There's a sense of privacy, so students don't feel exposed in the front display window.

There's no need to register or pay beforehand.  We like to keep things simple.  Just arrive a few minutes early to park, check-in, make a donation (optional) and get settled.  The store will be open in case you'd like to purchase any supplements, herbs or oils before or after class.

Please help me spread the word to any friends, coworkers and family that are interested in health.  It's the perfect class to share with a friend.  It's affordable and a positive step towards wellness this summer.  In addition, this neighborhood is bubbling with fun shops, restaurants and excellent people watching. Perhaps you'd like to grab a tea at Remedies Teas or a coffee at Victrola Coffee Roasters next door.  For a little nature infusion, visit Volunteer Park after class and soak in all that you've learned.

I look forward to sharing this time together. Let Ayurveda make this your best summer yet!

Teacher Love (aka discount)

It's the end of the school year.  The rush to finish report cards, clean out the class, say goodbyes with hugs and cards, hurry to make the staff party and finally.....summer break.  This time of year is so sweet because the entirety of summer vacation stretches out before you waiting to be relished, one lazy morning at a time.  It's also the season of renewal and improved self-care.  More walks, more homemade meals and perhaps some new ideas around health.

To show my love for my fellow teachers, I'm offering discounted Ayurveda Health Coaching.  Through my years of teaching, studying yoga and meditation and now incorporating the ancient science of Ayurveda, I've mastered simple techniques that create major health benefits.  Whether you want to lose a few pounds, improve your complexion, create a healthy diet or start a meditation practice, health coaching is the key to your success.

 

I'm offering 3 one-hour sessions for $99 (a $270 value).  Since Ayurveda is not licensed yet, we can not accept insurance.  My vision is to make Ayurveda Health Coaching accessible to teachers accustomed to paying merely a copay for alternative health services.  If you've been wondering about yoga, meditation or Ayurveda, now is your time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

 

Join me at Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley.  Enjoy some tea in the waiting room, browse the other services available (hello, massage!) and invest in a little self care this summer.  You deserve it!  To register for this special offer, send me an email at nperriella@yahoo.com.

How to Let Go

Lately I've really been receiving the message, "Let yourself be guided."  What does this really mean?  To me, it means that I don't have to be in charge of every little detail of my life.  I'm not the only one working on my behalf.  I can relax into knowing that the Universe has got me.  It feels like falling back into a big cloud of supportive safety that will swoop me off into the right direction.  I just have to stop trying to steer and enjoy the ride.  I'm not saying that I won't work hard or hustle or put time into my goals, but the outcome of these efforts is not really up to me.  I'll put my best forward and the rest is up to (insert your word of choice here).  The same force that got me here is the one that runs my life.  As the Course in Miracles suggests, I start every day with these questions:

Where shall you have me go?

What shall you have me do?

What shall you have me say?

To whom?

 

Then I listen for an answer, an inkling, an idea or a push.  It's fun and exciting and a whole lot easier than struggling through my days.  Recently, I tried this exercise from Esther Hicks.  In your journal, create this table:

 

Things I will do this week	Things I would like the Universe to handle this week
1. 2. 3.	1. 2. 3.

 

My side had 8 items and the Universe side had 13.  I listed very specific to-do list items on my side and big wish items on the Universe side (for example, healing my knee).  Now, looking back about 3 weeks later, I realize that the Universe has already tackled 6 of her big items.  Wow!  I did all of my manageable to-dos, so together we are truly a force of awesome productivity!  I am confident that with time, the Universe will get all of her items done.  In fact, I'm betting on it.  What do you want to let the Universe handle this week?  Write me a comment, and I'll add it to my list, too.  Have fun!