Retreat and Restore

Why AYURVEDA…
by Liz Glover Wilson

There is something compelling about a nearly 8,000 year old healthcare system that delivers mental balance, a healthy body and longevity.

When I first was introduced to Ayurveda, "the science of longevity", the sister-science of yoga, I was skeptical - finding it hard to believe that something so old could work. I remained intrigued however, and made the decision to dive deeper into the study of this ancient healthcare system. What was it about? Could it make me feel better? More vibrant? Could things like a better daily routine really benefit my life? And how was I going to get used to using a whole new concept of spices in my food?

Well what I have uncovered has been life changing, and most importantly a lifestyle that I am excited not only to share with you but to journey with you. What makes Ayurveda so beautiful is that it is an awakening to how we see ourselves and an invitation to live in our full authenticity.

I spent years feeling sluggish after eating, suffering stomach aches and dehydration. While I ‘looked healthy,’ I realized that I was struggling in my body and it was time to do something about it. My soul - my inner being - knew what to do, but my physical self was resisting. I was fearing all that I may have to ‘give up.’

One night, when I was in a reflecting prayer about the direction of my life - I remembered my Uncle and how a late-life diet change afforded him several years of additional life after a very grim diagnosis of cancer. The message that came clear to me that night, was this . . . ‘don’t wait until you are given a few years to live to start making changes.

So many times I have heard people say ‘I am going to die anyway, so I might as well live it up.’ I invite us to think more along the lines of ‘I want to live a full and peaceful life now.’

I am excited to share my learnings with you and hope that I can inspire you to explore the Ayurveda lifestyle and realize optimal health.

As a dedicated yogi and a passionate follower of Christ, I believe Ayurveda is a lifestyle available to anyone and everyone.

Ayurveda, fundamentally, is a medicinal theory of habit. The core idea of Ayurveda is that, "Habits influence the nature of a person." Ayurveda finds itself at home in the 'natural metaphysics' of St. Thomas Aquinas, particularly in the area of habit formation. This belief is very similar to the core Christian understanding of the virtues.

I am excited to share my learnings with you and hope that I can inspire you to explore the Ayurveda lifestyle and realize optimal health. I am co-hosting a retreat at Minnewaska Lodge on July 22nd - July 23rd, plus a special Evening of Transformation: Reflection, Connection and Healing on July 21st at Stone Wave Yoga.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that’s focused on promoting balance between your body and mind.

According to Ayurveda, five elements make up the universe — vayu (air), jala (water), akash (space), teja (fire), and prithvi (earth).

These elements are believed to form three different doshas, which are defined as types of energy that circulate within your body. Each dosha is responsible for specific physiological functions.

Although the Ayurvedic diet has specific guidelines for each dosha, the diet as a whole encourages eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

This can benefit your health greatly, as these foods are rich in many essential nutrients.

The diet also minimizes processed foods, which often lack fiber and important vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that eating higher amounts of processed foods may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and even death (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).

Thus, the Ayurvedic diet may help protect against chronic disease and promote better health. However, more studies are needed.

Given that the Ayurvedic diet emphasizes nutrient-rich whole foods, it might boost weight loss; bringing you to your healthy weight.