Newsletter January 2021

Dear reader:

As the new year unfolds and the pandemic increases to unprecedented proportions, let’s consider some features of wellness and immune strengthening from Ayurveda that can help maintain wellbeing of body, mind and consciousness. I’ve selected some outstanding resources for you. Many are suffering mental anguish, and are seeking to rise above to freedom from suffering. 

DINACHARYA
Our daily routine, especially the morning waking routine, is critical now more than ever I feel, for problem-solving, resolution of differences, immune resistance to disease and developing joy, contentment and wisdom. 

The great challenge of acceptance of life as it is, can be met by fortifying our body, mind and consciousness for unity, especially through morning practices, I feel.  Master teachers from time immemorial to the present, have shared about the importance of love as the means and end of success in life. 

We’re taught the purpose of life is Self-realization or God realization.  Disease and suffering come to help prepare the soul for liberation and delusion, and to develop understanding of the Creation’s grace, mercy and unconditional love, I feel.

To purify hatred, comparison and judgement from our consciousness is a tall task, not for the feint of heart.  Can we be as obedient as Arjuna to Krishna, who asked him to kill his five cousins with whom he had grown up?  

Twice he refused citing non-violence, however his Guru told him to kill them, so they cannot usurp the Light.  Finally Arjuna understood these ‘cousins’ or familiar ones are anger, attachment, judgement, fear and ignorance.  

Saints, sages and teachers have explained and tried to teach me the importance of love, compassion and forgiveness of all wrongs, real and imagined. It is a mighty warrior that can rule by open-heartedness and humility, I feel.  Now is the time I feel dedicated to living up to our teachers’ examples.  

Once I saw Dr. Lad treat an evil yogi, possessed by darkness, despicable behaviours and a tormented mind.  His bad odor was evident from afar. It took Dr. Lad only two encounters to transform the animal back to his hu (light) man (one) condition by showing him such a great respect and love.

Later I asked him why he accepted him when all others around hated and feared the person.  He looked at me deeply and with no words, I understood.  In one long glance he elevated my errors of perception to see the person’s soul journey, and my own equality to that yogi.

Nowadays, as I remember my teachers each morning and throughout the days, I feel their support and witnessing awareness.  Without this morning routine, perhaps this heart could not even hope to overcome darkness and aspire to be restored to the Light.  Each day I feel the opportunity for self-improvement, re-dedication and mercy.

YOGA CLASSES VIA ZOOM WITH Juls Jivanti in Arizona:
Check out her invitation to you for asana practice:  .  

“Even though we're apart during this time, we can still come together. If you allow your breath to be your guide, while listening to your body, you'll be customizing the class for yourself in each moment by honoring the intelligence of your being.” 

Juls suggests a donation of about $20US/hr. for group sessions. Customized yoga therapy sessions are based on $75US/hr., with deals for booking your package of 4, 10 or more prepaid sessions.  Uber accessible and affordable, I feel, especially at Juls’ level of expertise and experience.

Juls Jivanti is an experienced Ayurvedist, Yogini, teacher and my beloved colleague for many years.  She brings a rare and beautiful balance of skill, knowledge and compassion to her work.  

Contact her to co-create your Yoga program for this winter semester:  520-599-0707 by phone or online at: http://www.flyingelephantayurveda.net/services/

Email: julietlunata@yahoo.com.

BOOK REVIEW:  Dr. L. Eduardo Cardona-Sanclemente 
AYURVEDA FOR DEPRESSION: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

At this time of year, many face depressive thoughts, moods and energies.  How to get through the maze of feelings, shoulds, can’ts and musts, when avoidance of sharing can increase, leading to more isolation. Ayurveda talks about how to support healthy functioning of the mind and render it as a servant of our life for self-realization, and not at all as a saboteur or thief of the intended enjoyment (rasa) of life.  

This book provides “an insightful … approach for those suffering from depression that is compassionate and achievable’, says Dr. Diana I. Lurie, Professor of Neuropharmacology, U. Montana.  Mental health is not divisible from physical health according to Ayurveda; this book is your personal guide to daily contentment, acceptance and unconditional love.

Dr. Cardona’s personal experience of healing with Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation provides an authentic blueprint for traveling the road to recovery from dark depression, with no apparent options. Ayurveda gives great importance to mental health as the informant of physical health, as our self-care decisions inform our daily use of time.

Sleep disorder is commonly associated with clinical mental disturbances and this book takes a holistic and integrated view of the entire 24-hr. cycle, as well as seasonal adjustments needed to maintain balance of body, mind and consciousness.  Drawing from his personal studies, research and healing experiences, Dr. Eduardo illuminates the path of the daily routine and its interface with the law of cause and effect.  

I recommend this book for all who seek relief, especially from chronic depression.  Understand the depth of Ayurvedic healing, be empowered to implementing simple shifts in your daily routine and reap the rewards and benefits of ancient wisdom for alleviating today’s mental anguish and suffering.  

To order your copy, click on this link: https://www.biblio.com/book/ayurveda-depression-integrative-approach-restoring-balance/d/1358406524?aid=frg&currency_id=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI95jKs7-t7gIVqx-tBh3uIwcREAQYAiABEgKGVfD_BwE 

POSTPONEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Our Share Ayurveda Conference was postponed from May 2020 to June 26-28, 2021, however it seems wise to again postpone until 2022.  Please watch for dates, featured speakers and registration details when we have more certainty about travel conditions.  

Meanwhile, please enjoy this glimpse down memory lane, with the flyer for the inaugural conference in May 2018 at the University of British Columbia.  It was so memorable to have our community together and experience the amazing Vaidya Vasant D. Lad as keynote.

NEW VIDEOS from BITS & TIPS
Enjoy this series of less than 5-minute video clips featuring various introductory topics of Ayurveda.  We love receiving your comments, suggestions and enquiries.
Thanks also for sharing these Bits & Tips with  your network!

To view them, please click here.

Dear friend, you know I love to receive your news, comments, feedback, suggestions about this community forum.  This first newsletter of 2021 brings you good wishes for your wellness, safety and generosity of spirit in these times, as we try to uplift one another.  As Dr. Lad has often said, “If not now, then when?”

With love from,

Jaisri M. Lambert, Founder
Ayurveda Seminars & Consulting
+1 604-290-8201 (PST 9am - 6pm Mon. to Sat.)
https://www.ayurveda-seminars.com

C.A.R.E. Foundation
Canada Ayurveda Research & Education Foundation  
https://carefoundation.net