Join me on my 20-Day Challenge to live a healthier, happier Vedic life. Veda is a Sanskrit word meaning truth and knowledge. These next 20 days, I am journeying inward to find my Truth. The Truth is the universal energy resides within me.
The Vedas preach that we must live in harmony with nature. Just like the sun rises and falls consistently, and without fail, we too must find our own rhythm in life. When we start living in harmony with our life-giving Mother Nature, we will begin to understand Her secrets of creation. Our internal nature resonates with the external nature. When the earth is parched because of strong summer sunrays, our skin too becomes dry, brittle and dehydrated. When nature is in havoc (earthquakes), we too are in havoc. We are connected to Her on every level. This principle of harmonious living is ever so important in modern times because mankind has forgotten how to live respecting Mother Nature. In fast times, it seems easier to microwave a dinner as opposed to cooking a healthy meal with fresh vegetables; it is easier to wake up to a blaring alarm clock, then awaking naturally to chirping birds.
I find myself most happy in India at an ashram or in the Himalayas surrounded by trees. Why? Because, life is simple. My mind and body are forced to live in accordance with Nature's Laws. I desire the same peace and happiness I have experienced in India, and want it daily in Los Angeles. Although India and Los Angeles are worlds apart, peace is right here within me. I want my peace when an anxious driver cuts me off on the 10 Freeway. I want my peace in a city that values Prada shoes over bare feet sinking its toes into dewy grass. I want my peace, even if I lose the man I love. Life is transient. The only thing I have control over is my inner peace. These next 20 days, I search for my Truth, my peace. Please join me. Choose any goal or challenge that you want to accomplish and share them in the comments section. A friend of mine is taking out red meat from her diet and is exercising 3 times a week. Another friend is waking up at 6am and cooking one healthy Ayurvedic meal a day. You can join me by doing the same challenge as me, or creating your own challenge. Joining others when undertaking a challenge is helpful because you gain the strength and encouragement of the group. Join us! My start date is Saturday April 10th, 2009, but you can start when the timing is right for you.
I have chosen four goals based on the spiritual teachings of Sivananda. I am dedicating 20 days to accomplishing these 4 principles. Everyday I will:
1. Brahmanuhurta: Be in bed by 10 and awake up at 5:00 a.m. Offer some prayers for 10 minutes and then sit for study. This is the best time for study, as the mind is fresh.
2. Exercise: 30 minutes of yoga. Do various yoga asanas to increase intellect, strength and willpower. SuryaNamaskar, inversions, sirshasana, Halasana, Sarvangsana (shoulder stand), warrior, and other various stretches.
3. Japa: One Mala (108)
4. Diet: Cook and eat one fresh healthy meal a day. Take my vitamins and Ayurvedic herbs.
