Nourish your essence

"Change is the essence of life.
Be willing to surrender 
what you are for what 
you could become"

                                                      Reinhold Niebuhr

'What does 'essence' mean exactly?'
Webster's Dictionary defines it as:
'an absolutely necessary element or quality'
which got me thinking...

'What are the 'absolutely necessary elements or qualities' that nourish your 'essence'?
For some it might be rest, relaxation or reading a good book, whilst for others having fun, adventure or being social is the key.
Making the time to nurture these elements can keep us feeling 'in tune' with our own nature

'Nourish Note' 
brings you simple, sustainable ways to feel good naturally

           My top 3 tips
   - for a vitalised start to the day

Create a morning routine.
This is one of the most simple and effective ways to gain more energy, more time and an inner sense of calm. Getting up earlier can be a challenge but once you feel the benefits, you'll be inspired to make it happen.

1. Rise with the sun, or just before 5.30 -6am.  This is Vata time, the light, refreshing air element which naturally brings these same qualities your way.
It's a good idea to get to bed early at night, by 10pm, to sustain your Vata start to the day.
Stretch your body as soon as you get out of bed.  Think of how cats stretch after a long sleep, preparing their limbs and arching their backs ready for activity.

2. Next, sit comfortably, close your eyes and tune in to how your body and mind feel. Keep your shoulders relaxed and spine lengthened, allowing you to breathe easily.
Set a positive intention for your day.

3. Refresh and hydrate with a glass of pre-boiled water and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.  Your liver will thank you for taking the time to care.  It's one of the hardest working organs in the body, filtering, detoxing and regenerating the blood.
Now you have made a great start to your day!

Blood Building Juice - for a bit of extra zing!

Ingredients
2 medium size beetroots
1 carrot
fresh ginger (equivelant to 1 tspn)
fresh juice of 1 lime
Method
Place all ingredients in a juicer
and drink while fresh

This is a great juice when you need an extra boost of energy. 
Generally, juicing has the qualities of 'light and cooling' which means that although juices are packed with vitamins and nutrients, not everyone can tolerate them well.
Be mindful of how often you are juicing, how you feel afterwards and that you are not drinking a juice after a heavy meal.  Morning time is best for digesting a juice.
*Please refer to my website for a full explanation of the doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Beetroot - sweet, warm and moisturising. Helps to nourish the blood. Excellent for Vata and Kapha dosha. Pitta can use in moderation
Carrot - sweet, bitter and astringent, carrots are packed with vitamin A. Another great supporter of the blood and also the kidneys.
Most helpful to Vata and Kapha. Use in moderation for Pitta due to their slightly heating effect in excess
Ginger - pungent, heating and soothing. Helps to soothe the gut and aid digestion. Ginger has numerous medicinal benefits and is known widely as a 'Universal medicine'. Most helpful to Vata and Kapha. Can increase Pitta due to its heating qualities.
Fresh Lime juice - sour, slightly bitter and cooling with a sweet quality after digestion. Lime juice helps to relieve liver and gall bladder congestion and aids in detoxifying and nourishing the blood.

The Ayurvedic approach to healthy eating is to eat the food that supports your Dosha - your mind/body constitution. As every person is different, it is important to include the foods that keep you and your digestive system feeling happy and in harmony.

To nourish your senses...

Thought I'd share this uplifting poem for you to ponder...

Lark Or Owl?
Are you a lark or are you an owl?
Do you leap from your bed, or creep with a scowl?
Do you love the new morn, and walk with a spring,
Or dream of the dusk when the nightingale sing?
Do you buzz like a bee when the sun's shining bright,
Or glow like a star in the moon's silver light?
Whatever your nature, whatever your views
You'll find a reward in whatever you choose,
For though she keeps turning as hours move by,
The world has a beauty to please every eye.
                                                                      - Margaret Ingall

Workshops at Ayurvedic Essence...
I will be running my Ayurvedic Wellness workshop later this year. Please click here for more details...

Until next time...keep well and stay nourished

Liesl
Ayurvedic Essence