#18. Maha Lakshmi - Resetting your Intentions for the New Year - the Yogic & Ayurvedic Way

The Healthy Peaceful Podcast

Join me as I interview Maha Lakshmi of the Sivananda Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, California, as she describes her recent week-long course, introducing a January reset and gentle cleanse to participants. The distinction between a reset and cleanse? A reset or reboot is a new concept, how it unfolds is important. The start of each year is a wonderful opportunity to reset our intention for the year to come. It can be starting out on a work note, meaning the opportunity to pose the question: “How can I do the work that will enable me to transform habits that no longer serve me?” During the reset, participants engaged in a gentle food cleanse with kitchari (split mung dal and rice). Why a mono-diet of kitchari? “It’s easy to digest. Digestion consumes a lot of our energy. A kitchari fast along with greens, ghee, cilantro, and CCF tea (more to come on this) frees up our energy for the mental work that is required to effectively reset our intentions at the start of the year.” And the purpose of ghee? “Ghee oleates the joints, unlocking the body’s natural fluidity.” The reset included a daily asana practice as well. CCF tea – cumin, coriander and fennel - promotes sweating, gently releasing toxins and improving digestion. Abhyanga, Ayurvedic oil massage is also another example of the self-care she recommended. “Self-message is a beautiful way to oleate the body, again moving energy. In yoga, the nadis or energy channels can become clogged. Oil massage opens up blockages in the body.” And the niyamas and yamas, their purpose? “In yoga, there are restraints and observances. Both provide the foundation for a steady mind that develops from regular meditation. However, yoga teaches that adequate preparation is required for meditation to be effective. Maha Lakshmi incorporated Ayurvedic principles that emphasize the importance of time: time of life, time of day, time of year. She also encouraged participants to consider yoga off the mat. “Yes, yoga asanas are important, but to evolve in yoga means implementing the mental practices. Yoga nidra is one of those practices, a deep relaxation practice where we start to set positive intentions and let go of negative self-talk.” And when asked if any participant's question this week really touched her, Maha Lakshmi responded “I’m in awe of each student’s commitment to a ‘beginner’s mind,’ meaning they are open to new ways of seeing their life and practice. When a student makes a shift, even a small one, this energizes my teaching and counseling.”

I would love it if you would follow, rate, or write a review for my podcast. What you think matters and I appreciate all feedback!
Get in touch with topic ideas relating to my podcast's categories:

• The meaning of health and well-being, personal and collective consciousness, and maximizing full human potential.

My email: [e-mail].
With sincere gratitude,
Noreen