Maharishi Yoga Asanas

Maharishi yoga asanas offer a soft and pleasant approach to yoga 🧘, grounded in the understanding that the body is fundamentally linked to consciousness. This perspective aligns with emerging insights in modern physiology. 

Traditionally, a mechanistic view of the body might suggest that we need to stretch hard, strain, and pull to lengthen our muscles and enhance mobility. However, the body does not function that way. The limitations on how far our muscles can be stretched are determined not by the muscles themselves but by the nervous system. The nervous system prioritises protecting the body from injury 🚫, and as a result, it restricts muscle stretching to what feels safe. When we forcefully strain and pull, we can create stress in the nervous system, which may lead to increased stiffness.

In contrast, Maharishi yoga asanas encourage us to stretch only as far as is comfortable. We then lightly focus our attention on the area of the body that is being stretched 🌟. This effortless awareness enhances the connection among the body, nervous system, and mind. Consequently, our muscles become more flexible over time without the need for effort. 

Additionally, this practice provides numerous other benefits, such as massaging and cleansing internal organs 🛁, releasing stress knots, and promoting a sense of tranquillity in both body and soul ✨. Ultimately, this leads to a greater alignment with the cosmos and our true inner selves 🌌, which is the ultimate goal of yoga. This is an approach that should be embraced in all yoga practices.

Lagom - Ayurveda and the vikings

The word "lagom," which roughly translates to the most appropriate level or amount of something, was recently named the best word in the Swedish language. 🌟 It is also very much in line with Ayurveda. According to legend, the term originated with the Vikings, who would drink mead 🍯 from a communal horn they passed around (lag om = around the group), taking just lagom to ensure there was lagom for everyone. The Swedish Academy suggests that this legend is inaccurate; it argues that the word was originally written as "laghum" and relates to "lag" (law), which originally did not have a legal connotation but simply meant that something was right. 

Regardless of its origins, lagom aligns closely with Ayurvedic principles. 🧘‍♂️ It emphasises moderation, which is essential for our well-being. We should aim to eat the right amount 🍽️, exercise at the right intensity 🏃‍♀️, and get adequate sleep 🛌. So, what is the right amount? It’s often better to rely on our feelings rather than over-intellectualise or try to calculate the perfect amount objectively. 

We should eat until we feel moderately full—neither overstuffed nor hungry. 😌 We should exercise to the point of feeling invigorated and fresh—neither exhausted nor lethargic. 💪 Our sleep should leave us feeling alert and refreshed. 🌅 Trust your instincts and live a wonderful, Swedish, healthy, lagom
life. 🍃

Walpurgis Night

 Today is Walpurgis Eve 🌙, which also happens to be His Majesty the King's birthday—Happy Birthday! 🎉🌹 Tomorrow, on May 1st, Beltane will be traditionally celebrated in Gaelic culture. Although these celebrations are observed in different ways, they share common themes, including the arrival of spring 🌸, singing 🎶, fires 🔥, and protection against evil forces.

These holidays have ancient roots but are also connected to the arrival of Christianity ⛪, particularly on the holy Walpurgis. It’s valuable to cherish old traditions, as many people in the past lived closer to nature 🌳, and these ancient rites can help us understand and harness the powers associated with nature's changes. Plus, singing and celebrating bring joy to both body and soul 😊. So, feel free to sing a song by the fire tonight! 🎤🔥

Gluten

 Gluten is a topic of debate among many people who have differing opinions about food. 🍞 For individuals with celiac disease, it is essential to strictly avoid gluten. Similarly, those who are allergic to wheat must eliminate it from their diet. ❌ However, many others choose to avoid gluten as they believe it negatively affects them. 

One theory suggests that it may not be gluten itself that causes issues for those who are gluten-sensitive, but rather inulin, a carbohydrate found in cereals. 🌾 Inulin is a type of FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols), which includes carbohydrates that can be beneficial as they nourish our intestinal flora and act as prebiotics. 🦠 Nevertheless, some individuals are sensitive to FODMAPs and may experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as stomach pain and indigestion. 😣

In Ayurveda, there are generally no strict negative views on gluten. Ayurvedic principles state that what is suitable for one person may not be appropriate for another, depending on their specific constitution and body condition. 🌿 For instance, barley is often recommended for balancing kapha, while wheat is seen as a readily available nutrient for those with a high vata constitution. However, it is not considered ideal for individuals with a high kapha constitution.

It's important to note that Ayurvedic texts were written before wheat became as refined as it is today. 📜 For this reason, I prefer using more traditional varieties of wheat, such as spelt, emmer, and einkorn. 🌾 In general, Ayurveda encourages people to listen to their bodies and understand what they need. If you find that gluten-containing foods do not sit well with you, it's wise to reduce your intake. ⚖️ However, it's not advisable to eliminate gluten solely because it has developed a negative reputation.

Darkness

 It is important for our bedroom to be dark 🌙. Light inhibits melatonin production, which prevents us from achieving the beneficial deep sleep, even if we manage to fall asleep 💤. This is particularly crucial for growing children 👶, as growth hormone (GH) is secreted during deep sleep. However, it is also important for adults 👩‍🦳, who may no longer be growing, because deep sleep promotes cell renewal. Every day, our bodies break down and rebuild cells 🔄, and growth hormone plays a vital role in this process. 

To ensure optimal darkness in your bedroom, consider investing in effective blackout curtains 🖤, as there are many light sources in our environment today. Good luck, and sleep well! 🌟

Bedtime

Going to bed early in the evening is essential for health according to Ayurveda 🌙. There is a saying: "Early to bed, early to rise makes a (wo)man healthy, wealthy, happy, and wise." 🧘‍♀️💶😊 This statement is supported by both Ayurvedic principles and modern science. Humans are naturally diurnal creatures, designed to be awake during the day ☀️ and sleep at night.

Research shows that the most restorative deep sleep occurs during the early hours of the night, particularly before midnight 🕛. Sleeping in the morning or during the day does not provide the same quality of rest. According to Ayurveda, the kapha dosha is dominant between 6 PM and 10 PM 🌅. When we go to bed during this time, we benefit from the weight and stability of kapha, which promotes deep, restorative sleep 😴.

Later in the night, from approximately 10 PM to 2 AM, the pitta dosha takes over 🔥. During these hours, pitta energy goes inward, helping to clear away waste and tension in the body and nervous system that may have accumulated throughout the day. This cleansing process occurs only if we are sleeping or at least lying down and resting. Importantly, we should avoid eating during these hours 🍽️🚫.

So, make it a habit to go to bed early 🛌 and enjoy energetic and happy days! 🌟

Milk

Drinking a cup of warm boiled milk 🥛 before bedtime is beneficial for most people, according to Ayurveda. It provides essential nutrition 🍶 and promotes better sleep 💤. It is recommended to use organic, non-homogenised milk. Adding a pinch of cardamom 🌱 can enhance the flavour and make it more digestible—let it boil for a few minutes ⏱️. Allow the milk to cool until it is drinkable, then enjoy it in a peaceful, quiet setting 🌙 before going to bed.