Deep Nourishment

Building our Reserves

The cold, windy weather dries us out.  That, along with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, can leave us feeling energetically “thin” -- tired, brittle, and maybe even a little short tempered. These are all symptoms of being depleted at deep levels.

As yogis, we turn to our practice. We move our bodies and breath -- building prana that life force that helps us feel free, expansive and spacious.  We sit and meditate -- building Tejas, that subtle essence that helps us shine our brightest.  Both of these help, but when we are energetically thin we need to turn to other practices that build the third of the subtle essences – Ojas.

Ojas has been likened to Ghee -- the clear, potent essence of butter.  Ojas is the fuel that feeds our life. It is the fuel for practice, the fuel for expansion, the fuel for evolution.  Without Ojas, we can only shine so brightly or expand so far.  Without enough of this vital essence to nourish all that we do, we burn out.

Luckily we can build Ojas.  We don’t do it with breath and posture.  Instead we do it with deep nourishment – mostly from food, rest and herbs – but also through devotional practices.  This means chanting, mantra and resting into something bigger than ourselves. 

When Ojas is nourished and our tanks are full, we feel robust, grounded and energetic.  When this vital essence is nourished we have a better sense of humor, trust more deeply, and are inclined to be more generous. We have patience and acceptance for both ourself and our fellow human beings – joyfully accepting life on life’s terms. 

Almost everyone - from the hurried mom to the rushed yoga teacher - can benefit from Ojas practices this time of year. Come join us on Friday from 1:30-3:00 at the donation studio as we practice in ways that build Ojas – complete with chants and yoga nidra.

May you be nourished well.