Yesterday as we began yoga class we discussed Ojas (vigor), Prana (life force) and Vata (elements of air and ether) briefly and that the greatest disturbance to Ojas comes from the mind. Where our attention goes our Prana follows. The key to longevity, immunity, anti-aging comes from cultivating our Ojas. One of the ways to do this is to spend time in introspection perhaps meditating, yoga or even putting aside an hour a day for quiet time (no phones, no tv, no chatting). Perhaps pick up a good book, or be with a craft you love.
Grab a journal or notebook and make this a year of some soul feeding, nourishing changes. Keep your journal in a place where you can easily access it and write down things that draw you away, for example I spent 3 hours in front of the tv or computer. There is a quote by Oscar Wilde that goes, "Everything in moderation including moderation." Perhaps you can learn to say I love my quiet time instead of but I love those shows.. It is not that all TV is bad, it is just an awareness of - is it trapping me in some way that I have not been paying attention to even on purpose. Notice what feeds your soul when you let the mind quiet down. And if you are already doing these things, keep on keeping on. This can be a tough task in the beginning as these external distractions can become almost hypnotic.
Suggestions: paint, write, declutter, soothing music, laugh with yourself, eat whole foods, lots of greens, play with spices, learn a musical instrument. dance. Then notice what has been draining your energy. Is it too much television, being on the computer, talking and texting on the phone. Make this as I said yesterday an observation, not a judgement. What is keeping you from how you want to be an feel and what you really would like to be doing. Notice the distractions that you allow to happen "because". These things sap your Ojas and the most expensive cream in the world cannot give you back the radiance and glow that Ojas gives you. It is the best anti-ager in the world as it promotes longevity and immunity.
One of my favorite quotes from Swami Kripalu goes:
“Before speaking consider if it is an improvement upon silence.”
Remember this is your journal so open up freely without any judgements just pure awareness. WHERE YOUR AWARENESS GOES YOUR PRANA FOLLOWS.
Hugs, hugs, hugs and thanks for listening - Have a beautiful day, I know you will.