December 6, 2023 | 48 minutes, 35 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host JohnDouillard, DC, CAP, interviews Angela Perger on minimalism in Ayurveda. Angela Perger is an Ayurveda professor and practitioner. She is the founder of The Simple Ayurveda School where she facilitates an intimate Ayurveda health counselor training program.
What is Minimalism?
When most people think of minimalism, they often associate it with decluttering physical spaces or a design style. In this episode of Ayurveda Meets Modern Science, Angela Perger digs into the idea of minimalism as a mindset.
Minimalism means having clarity on what is most important to you as a person.
In order to discover what is most important to you will take time (and these priorities will also continue to evolve over time). Angela shares her strategy of selecting three to five core values during each solstice. Angela’s three important focal points currently include home, heart centering, and wholeness. Additionally, Angela suggests choosing one word for the year to focus on. Angela’s word for this year is intuition.
By having a clear understanding of what is important to you at this time, you will be able to let things go easier. This is particularly important in today’s chaotic and stressful world, where we are not able to control everything in our lives.
Dr. John recommends engaging in a cleanse during each equinox or solstice. Combining a cleanse with Angela’s method of focus is a great way to bring clarity and health during ritusandhi (the important junction between seasons).
Minimalism in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a complex and extensive practice that can be utilized in every aspect of your life. For many, Ayurveda can be very overwhelming. As you begin to learn the teachings you may start by focusing on topics that impact you directly. For example, you were sleeping and mindful eating. Create a routine that works for your modern life. As these techniques become more comfortable and part of your daily life, you can then begin to gradually add in more.
See also Dr. John’s 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge: Change Your Routine, Change Your Life
When choosing what Ayurvedic techniques to focus on first, Angela has a few tips:
- Look at your biggest pain or discomfort and focus on techniques that target that.
- Ask yourself: when was a time in your life that you felt your best? What were you doing that may have brought you there? What you are no longer doing?
- Alter the techniques so they fit into your modern life.
- Be consistent.
Additional Resources
- SAN Nasya for Clearing Sinuses and Emotional Baggage
- Self-Inquiry Guide: Handling Emotional Trauma
- Podcast Episode 97: The Best Ayurvedic Physical and Emotional Detox
Love this newsletter. Great advice and meaningful information. Thank you!
This conversation is so perfect, reminding me of many aspects I like to pay attention to. Framing it as minimalist ayurveda is brilliant! Thank you both very much.