Ayurveda states that I am a life force (soul or atman). I have a mind and a body. These three aspects are interconnected. Understanding and keeping this holistic viewpoint helps us stay in harmony and balance.
Immune Health and Ojas – The Nectar of Life
What we feed ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically must be recognized as paramount to our well being. When we make healthy choices, choices that impart energy, our food, our exercise routine, our lifestyle, and our attitude, we are moving toward building resilience and immune health or Ojas. In Ayurveda, Ojas is the pure essence or quality of energy that gives us vitality and immunity. On a cellular level, it imparts strength for growth and rejuvenation.
When Ojas is flowing optimally within us, we feel happy, healthy, wise and free.
Physically, well-digested food is the most important factor in building our immunity and vitality.
Ojas rich food
Some important Ojas building foods include ghee or clarified butter, honey, almonds, cashew nuts, sesame, raisins whole grains, organic whole milk, bananas, dates, figs, peaches, mangoes, Indian gooseberry, coconut, leafy green vegetables, mung beans, ginger, liquorice, ashwagandha or Indian ginseng and triphala. You can include food from this list regularly in your diet. Excess of any kind is to be avoided.
Daily Energy Exercises
Daily morning exercise sessions lasting 20- 25 minutes go a long way in building physical and spiritual energy. You may opt for Yoga, Tai Chi, Self Massage with rejuvenating oils or any other kind of exercise that helps you connect with yourself. Always end these sessions with a 5-10 minute contemplation time or becoming the observer of your thoughts and emotions. Chants and deep rhythmic breathing at the start of the contemplation help you relax and focus.
Keywords for contemplation are commitment, faith and responsibility. By helping yourself, you are helping others. By connecting with yourself, you stay connected with others.
Remember, being happy, healthy, wise and free is a natural choice!
