As a new mother, I felt depleted physically, mentally and emotionally after the birth of my first child. I was seeing an Ayurvedic doctor but I was having a difficult time incorporating an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle. I was deeply interested in healing myself and improving my overall well being.
I decided to commit myself to studying the ancient science and art of Ayurveda, which is the oldest form of medicine in the world from India. At the time, I was seeing an Ayurvedic doctor and noticing a lot of physical health improvements. Once I decided to pursue Ayurveda as a student, I immediately felt very connected to it. I was incredibly fortunate to find a spiritual teacher & Ayurvedic doctor, Acharya Shunya ji, who I have been studying with since 2012. My school, Vedika Global https://www.vedikaglobal.org/ forever transformed my mind, body, and spirit health. Through my Ayurvedic studies with Acharya Shunya ji, and my time spent at Vedika, I have incorporated basic Ayurvedic lifestyle principles into my daily life and my families daily rhythm. The sthira/strength it has provided me has led me to create Mother Ayurveda Healing (MAH) to share this ancient science of healing, health promotion and self awakening.
I spent a lot of time reflecting on how I wanted to merge my own experience with Ayurveda and motherhood into MAH's mission and offerings. Modern day mothers are holding a lot of responsibilities with a never ending list of expectations and things to do. Being a mother provides the most ample opportunity to prioritize what is important in life, and why putting health at the forefront of our lives is a must. When I think of the word Mother, I think of health, beauty, creator, essence, and empowerment. Often, mothers are so focused on providing the care and nourishment to their child(ren) that their own health suffers. Ayurveda helps to bring back harmony, vitality, and refills our capacity as mothers to give from a place of balanced health. It realigns our minds, bodies and spirits, to it's natural state of beauty and health. There is a well known yoga phrase that was created by Pantjali in the Yoga Sutras which states, Sthira Sukham Asanam. This quote can be translated into the motherhood journey in such sacred ways.
Sthira sukham Asanam translation; a yoga posture should be steady, firm and stable, yet also comfortable, light and delightful. Similar to motherhood, if a new mother is feeling steady and firm, she can feel more joy and comfort as she transitions into this new phase of life.
Sthira: Strength, Stability, Steadiness & Groundedness
In the Sanskrit language, Sthira means steadiness or the sense of feeling grounded. It is the quality of firm strength that we bring to mothering. A tree is able to grow tall due to deep roots in the rich soil. Despite strong winds and rains, trees can withstand due to their inner strength. New mothers find the 24 hour commitment and care that is demanded of newborns and children overwhelming. Yet, when we are strong, stable and firm in our own bodies, minds and spirits, this foundational energy is transferred to the baby, and its siblings. The entire family unit is supported when mama feels steady.
Sukham: Happiness, Joy, Gentleness
Sukham, is translated as happiness and gentleness. It is a feeling of lightness, and grace in all of our actions. Ease develops from continual practice, and carving out time in our daily lives to create more space for our health and wellbeing. Mamas self care practices turn into the family’s practice, and daily life feels more integrated and centered. This becomes easier and feels like less effort is involved when we directly experience the impact of putting health at the forefront of our parenting.
Asanam: Seat, Posture, and Pose
With steadiness and ease we enter into our seat, or place in motherhood. We recognize that we are grounded to Earth, supported by nature, and the natural flow of life. We have been given the gift of a beautiful child, and we see that our place in this world is forever changed. Through the eyes of our children, we see the abundance of nature, the magic of animals, the strength of humanity, and our true limitless power as providers of nurturing and nourishment. Our spirits become more alive and awakened. We are aware that we now have been given the gift of life. With steadiness, grace and ease we can care of ourselves and our families. We can feel rejuvenated, empowered and inspired to share the never ending gifts and blessings of motherhood.