Most of us have tried something new, loved it and then asked ourselves why we had not done it sooner. Sometimes the answer to that question is that we simply were not ready to accept a new way of thinking, feeling or doing into our lives until now. Recently, I integrated some holistic health practices into my lifestyle. The themes of balance, flexibility, readiness and acceptance emerged.

In late August, I visited Ayurveda Wellness Center & Holistic Spa outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – and experienced my first, five-day, seasonal Pancharkarma – an ancient Vedic cleansing, rejuvenating and balancing program for the mind and body. The program included consultations with an Ayurvedic physician and healer. Body treatments involved daily warm oil massages, herbal steam therapy, and third-eye oil drip sessions. My Panchakarma was an authentic holistic health and luxury spa experience combined.

Balance & flexibility

Ayurveda means ‘science of life’ and is a natural, complementary and preventative program for conventional medicine. The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes that people have unique combinations of energy (doshas) that make up mind-body types. Doshas become imbalanced when toxins due to poor diets, environmental pollutants and emotional stress build up in the body resulting in less than ideal health. Check out Ayurveda: A Quick Reference Handbook to learn more.

My dosha diagnosis helped me understand how to work with my body’s natural needs instead of against them through different food choices, herbal supplements and essential oils. After following a more dosha-balanced diet for the past two months, I’ve lost five pounds and enjoy feeling satisfied after eating – not full. My new appreciation for the healing power of food has opened doors to necessary books, classes and personal encounters that also bring more balance and depth to my life right now.

In addition to proper diet and detoxifying treatments, the Ayurveda lifestyle promotes the practice of yoga to balance the body. Previously, I held a limiting belief that ‘yoga was not for me’ due to a lack of patience. My dosha diagnosis explained that too frequent, high-impact cardio workouts were contributing to energy imbalance. I now practice different types of yoga several times a week and love it. My strength and flexibility are increasing as I continue to develop patience through yoga. I also sleep more regularly and deeply. Taking this new workout approach demonstrated an energetic shift for me. Doors opened to a new hobby – and a yoga retreat in Provence this spring!

Readiness & acceptance

Accepting a bit of newness in one area of life often declares us ready for other things to unfold. Exploring Ayurveda and experiencing Panchakarma opened a door that unlocked some unexpected potential along my self-development journey.

Different eating habits and workouts are simply new pieces that fit nicely into the present puzzle of my lifestyle. What matters most is the valuable reminder these new pieces provide – to increase self-awareness, balance and flexibility – as I continue to accept the overall flow of my life with grace and gratitude.

What piece of newness are you ready to accept into the flow of your life right now? Where are you ‘stuck’ in ways of thinking, feeling and doing that block you from tapping into greater potential and opportunity?

Challenge yourself to open a door and accept something new. Ready? Accept. Flow.