Relax and renew

    Relax ...


    Replenish ...


    Renew ... 

How do you strike a balance between 'action' and 'relaxation'?

'Sometimes, it can be a challenge!'

At the heart of Ayurveda is the principle of the 'Five Elements' - Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, each providing their own unique qualities and actions. The most subtle of these elements is Ether which represents space.

"Ether or space is expansive, empty and has no resistance, providing freedom in which to move" 
- Dr. Vasant Lad

Making time for 'space and emptiness' can fall to the bottom of our 'to do list', especially at this time of year when there can be an abundance of festivities and celebrations to attend. 

How can the qualities of 'Ether' enhance your well-being?

"Space for relaxation can help you to avoid  'burn out and exhaustion'...
'Replenish' and feel like the life and soul of the party instead..." 

Ayurveda teaches us to be aware of doing anything to excess which can cause the doshas to become imbalanced or depleted. Cultivating an inner sense of harmony through space to relax benefits the nervous system and boosts our well-being. We also become more aware of our daily habits and their effects on our health.

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it" 
- Sydney J. Harris

Here are my top 5 tips for striking a balance between 'action and relaxation'...

• During Vata time in the afternoon (between 2pm - 6pm) if you feel your energy flagging, set ten minutes aside to bring your senses inwards. Unplugging from outside stimulation or demands is wonderfully therapeutic for recharging your batteries. If you are at work, try to do this during your lunch or tea break. Set your timer on your phone or watch, to help you stay within the ten minutes (even a shorter time is better than none at all). Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes, bring your senses inwards and relax...

• Be aware of the environment and social interactions that either charge your energy or drain you.
  

• If you know you are coming up to a very busy time that requires all your energy stores, factor in time afterwards to replenish by doing something that you love.

• After a day or night (or many) of gluttonous food and drink, eat lightly the next day. Fresh vegetable juice, smoothies, herbal teas and fresh living seasonal food helps to cleanse and restore your energy.
  

• Maintain your '3 lap walk' (featured in my previous nourish note) to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit...

As we flow from this year to the next, I would like to thank you graciously for the opportunity to share my 'Nourish Notes' this year. I  look forward to sharing more with you in 2015.



Wishing you and your families a safe and happy festive season with time to appreciate, reflect and re-charge...

Until next time...keep well and stay nourished,

Liesl 
Ayurvedic Essence