According to some traditions, the key to abundance lies in the mind, which may give the impression that it is simply a matter of how one thinks. This can be a bit misleading if we aren’t clear about what exactly mind is.
An Ayurvedic approach recognizes that the mind, body and emotions are integrally connected. Manifesting our goals and actualizing our true potential is thus a function of shifting not just how we think, but how we move and act, and these functions do not operate independently; they work together. How you think and feels affects how you act, and how you act affects how you think and feel.
Learning to live abundantly doesn’t have to be a homework assignment in daily mantras. Daily training in thought patterning can and does work for some, but may feel too forced for others. We can also gently reorient our perspective by ushering in slight shifts in patterns that have a powerful impact on our energy levels, such as the following:
1. Cherish your body
We all have areas for improvement, but realistic goals for physical health should never inhibit our love and respect for the flesh, blood and bone that houses our spirit. Sometimes loving our body is as simple as giving thanks when it serves us. Try it! Practice gratitude for your body by consciously thanking it each day. Thank your legs for taking you places, your arms for lifting and making moves, your heart for pumping and oxygenating your blood. Our bodies contain our consciousness, so sending love to its various parts feels intrinsically good to our mind and allows us to become fully embodied – a popular concept that refers to the state in which our consciousness fully inhabits the body. Being embodied means we are physically, mentally and emotionally stronger, thus most capable of acting, creating and manifesting.
2. Walk it off, out and in
Our entire mind-body unit is composed of thousands of energetic channels known as Nadis. Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, balances two of the primary Nadis: the Ida and Pingala, through controlled breathwork.
Walking also balances the Nadis, bringing the right and left sides of the brain and body into alignment. When we are confronted with a challenges, sometimes we rely more heavily on one side of the brain, either right or left, and are unable to reach a resolution as a result. Daily walks are our opportunities to sort and process whatever life is bringing to us, reinvigorating our senses so we are open to new possibilities.
3. Treat yourself… today
Waiting for the day when you can let loose and savor life cultivates an energy of stagnation and lack. If your idea of treating yourself is a grand to-do, come down to earth and recognize that life constantly offers sweet and savory moments – we just need to slow down, get off the #futuregoals bus and acknowledge them. Whatever inspires and impassions you is your key to self indulgence, and focusing on what you love cultivates progress and abundance
4. Create daily rituals….
We are more productive when we have reasonable schedules that support what our minds and bodies need each day for basic functioning. When we take the bulk of guesswork out of tasks like eating, sleeping and carving out time for friends and family by sticking to a daily schedule and planning meals in advance, we free up more energy to enjoy these experiences and pursue higher aspirations. This is easier said than done for some people, so accommodate yourself. Rely on a calendar with reminders and notifications to keep you on track if you need, and involve other people in the tasks if you benefit from group energy. Maintaining a schedule is actually quite easy, it’s starting that is most challenging – just do it!
5. …so you can easily try something new everyday
In Ayurveda we emphasize routine for aligning one’s system with Nature’s cycles. Yet human consciousness thrives on new stimulation. Consciously try something new everyday. It can be as easy as jogging down a new road, taking your lunch at a new cafe or popping into an art gallery on your commute that you haven’t visited. Perhaps you already try new things all the time and don’t realize; tune into these experiences, becoming your own Observer. Acknowledge the new energy they usher into your life and allow your life course to be enriched by them.
