“A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other people, living and dead, And that I must exert myself in order to give in the full measure I have received and am still receiving.”

~ Albert Einstein

Asteya, or nonstealing, calls us to live with integrity, equanimity and reciprocity. If we are living with fears and lies, our dissatisfaction with ourselves and our lives leads us to look outside and exhibit behaviors such as a tendency to steal what is not rightfully ours. We steal from others, we steal from the earth, we steal from the future, and we steal from ourselves. We steal from our own opportunity to grow ourselves into the person who has a right to have the life they want.  This is rooted in the scarcity mindset believing that ~there is never enough, more, more more and what have you done for me lately.

Asteya is the recognition of the value of life we have received by using all our talents and possibilities for our own good, for our families and communities we live in and the through this process awakening to our life’s deeper meaning. 

Espresso Shot GUIDED MEDITATION – BALANCED GIVING AND RECEIVING

• Hold the hands, slightly cupped, in front of the solar plexus, with the palms facing upward.

 

• The forearms are parallel to the earth.

 

• The hands pulse slightly away from each other with each inhalation, and rest back toward each other on each exhalation.

 

• Relax the shoulders back and down, with the spine naturally aligned.

 

• If your comfortable close your eyes or look down at a point in front of you.

 

• As you hold the Hastaphula mudra, take several natural breaths to attune to all the feelings and sensation evoked by this gesture.

 

• Notice how your breath is gently directed into your solar plexus, allowing you to attune more deeply to your center of personal power and energy.

 

• With each inhalation, sense gentle warmth radiating outward from the solar plexus, and with each exhaling breath, allow this area to soften inward and rest.

 

• Take several breaths to sense your inhalation and exhalation lengthening evenly, cultivating a sense of balanced giving and receiving at all levels of your being.

 

• Begin by reflecting on your balance of giving and receiving within your financial dealings. Ask yourself if there is a natural fairness and integrity between that which you give and that which you receive.

 

• With your inhalation, visualize yourself receiving all you need to support your life journey, and as you exhale, sense your natural reciprocity, giving with fairness and generosity.

 

• Take several breaths to reflect on your level of balance within your relationships. Ask yourself if there is a natural fairness of giving and receiving in terms of your investment of quality time and emotional energy.

 

• With your inhalation, visualize the abundant love and support you receive and as you exhale, affirm your ability to share love and friendship wholeheartedly.

 

• Now take several breaths to reflect on the balance of giving and receiving within your community, sensing your level of natural fairness in relation to all those that contribute to your well being.

 

• With your inhalation, open to receive the support of your community, and as you exhale, affirm your intention to reach out to serve with an open heart, especially to those that are most in need.

 

• Now, sense your level of balance giving and receiving within the natural world, reflect on your level of gratitude for everything you receive in your in relation with your natural surroundings.

 

• With your inhalation, recognize nature’s bounty and beauty, and as you exhale envision yourself returning the gift by consciously supporting the natural world’s inherent harmony.

 

• Now, take some time to sense the even flow of your breathing and your natural balance of giving and receiving within all your interactions and ativities.

 

• Affirm your integrity, repeating the following three times, aloud or silently:

 

• Through balanced giving and receiving

 

• I live in complete integrity.

 

• Slowly release the gesture, taking several breaths to affirm your natural fairness.

 

• When you are ready, open your eyes, returning slowly and gently, affirming your ability to balance giving and receiving.

Namaste!   Till next post featuring Curried Tofu Potato Aloo,

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan Marie

 

Eating your Dosha!!

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved.  No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

 

“Gastronomy is the rational study of all related to man as he is eating.  Its purpose is to keep humankind alive with the best possible food.” ~ Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826)

Currently I am working on my Cookbook  (Tasting Enlightenment).  I have always wanted to include recipes with jazz and mindfulness that were sustainable and fit your body-mind-spirit individual profile.  I have decided to work from the Aryurvedic Yoga lifestyle which takes into consideration your dosha and dharma archetypes please see earlier posts).  It is facinating to feel fully vibrant and I have lost a significant amount of weight by eating according to being a Vata – Aryurvedic Nutrition.  The Yoga lifestyle is helpful in creating a balance as well as incorporated Self care to building a healthy daily practice of mindfulness and self understanding of how to live according to the Yamas and Niyamas, the 1st yama is Non-Violence and the Second yama ~ Truthfulness which is what the focus is this week.  Being honest with ourselves and making space through mindfulness and meditation will allow for your life to flow irrespective of the challenges that arise and giving space enough to process and respond at a better time.  Here is a recipe that I learned during my kitchen apprenticeship at Green Gulch Farm in 2019 that is one of my all time go to favs.

Curry Tofu Potato Aloo

Tofu and Potatoes Prep:

• 1 lb Extra firm Tofu pressed for 1 hour, cut into same size as potatoes
• 10 medium sized Yukon cut into medium small cubes
• ½ c. soy sauce, ¼ c. toasted sesame oil in spray bottle
• Place tofu and potatoes in bowl.  Spray and mix to evenly coat the tofu and potatoes. Cover with saran wrap and place in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours.  Ideal would be overnight.
• Spread tofu and potatoes evenly onto parchment paper and bake at 450 degrees rotating every 20 min for total of 45 min.

 Curry Aloo

• 5 tablespoons EVOO or Sesame oil
• 1 medium onion chopped small
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1” knob ginger peeled and grated
• 4 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon hing,
• 3 tsp. marsala spice
• 3 tbls Curry powder
• ½ cup soy sauce
• Himalayan Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper and 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced and 2-3 tablespoon parsley or cilantro for garnish.

***4 cups Brown or White Basmati Rice cooked with grated ginger and lemon peel slices.

Putting it all together

• Heat wok with 4-5 tbls of Sesame or EVOO
• Saute onions for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent
• Add garlic and ginger and saute until blooms about 3 minutes
• Add curry powder, marsala, garlic powder stirring consistently add salt then add the roasted tofu and potatoes.
• Blend till everything is evenly coated.

Serve over hot rice.

Bon Appetit!

 

Namaste!

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan Marie

Eating your Dosha!!

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved.  No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

Happy Friday! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are gearing up to make the most of this Holiday season despite COVID’s pandemonium. Our lives are blessed with opportunities that we are not conscious of– cancer, autoimmune illnesses and are dismissed because of our limiting beliefs or fears. If you utilize your time in a mindful way you will be present to make harmonious important decisions. Our fears or opinions of others place us in a put off until tomorrow what we need or dream of today. In truth, it is our fear that keeps us from seeking fulfillment in the here and now — because we entertain thoughts of failure as a weakness. So our reasons for delaying our inevitable success seem sound and rational. If we ask ourselves what we are really waiting for, we discover that there is no truly compelling reason why we should put off the pursuit of the dreams that sustain and uplift us.  In my present moment,  I am using this time to finding joy and wellbeing instead of feeling that my plans will never happen soon enough.   For me this is when my mind goes aggro and I wind up eating too many sweets, crave alcohol and don’t drink enough water.  That became a pattern to share my misery and throwing the body~mind~spirit  into a negative balance.  

Creating space and balance in our lives is not an easy thing. We are a hungry, noisy people, bombarded with stimulation and advertisements that promise to grant us our deepest desires. If we are not on purpose when creating balance for ourselves, we easily fall victim to false promises and fill every breathable space with appointments and activities and all the responsibilities that coincide with a full agenda. It is an adapted American proscription that believes that anti-cultural to claim any space that is simply space, or to move with any kind of lingering, or to take time for closure. We are bombarded and we bombard ourselves. And if we have any doubts, our calendars will reveal the truth of our craziness. The repercussions are inescapable, immeasurable violence to ourselves and those around us.

Espresso Meditation ~ Somatic Self Care

Ahimsa for Yourself

Courtesy of connie@awakeningself.com

• Sit comfortably in a chair or on a couch. You want to be relaxed and at ease in this practice. If it feels right, close your eyes, so you can focus your attention inward.
• Pay attention to your breath. Gently and deeply inhale, and then relax as you exhale.
• Now, take one hand and place it on top of the other. Feel the warmth of the hand on top as it touches the bottom hand. Give your full attention to the experience of being touched by the top hand. Take in the warmth and the contact. Breathe into it.
• Begin to gently and slowly stroke the bottom hand with the top one. Do this with a loving, soft touch. Find a way to touch your bottom hand that feels soothing and pleasurable. As if you were a mother comforting a baby.
• Can you allow yourself to feel the sensation of being touched, kindly and lovingly, in this manner? Be present with yourself and the experience of touching your hand and being touched by your other hand.
• Hold the other hand with your top hand. Feel the embrace and stronger connection of being held. Breathe into it.
• After a few minutes of this, what do you notice? Just the practice of paying attention and becoming present with the sensations can be calming, but the gentle, loving touch is also soothing. You are taking the time to connect with yourself, and connection helps release anxiety.
• You can touch your arm, belly, or face in a similar manner. Explore how it feels to be very present, compassionate, and loving towards yourself. Notice how you feel.  Savor for as long as you need in this new found space you have created.

 

Namaste!

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan

 

Eating your Dosha!!

 

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

Practicing the Yamas and Niyamas frees the mind from chatter when feeling guilt, shame, victimhood, revenge or any other fear-based emotion. Ahimsa is the state of being non-violent.  You are emitting harmonious vibrations.  Dharma is our life’s purpose within the universe.  Karma doesn’t affect Dharma.  However Karma does affect the expression of Dharma.  BKS Iyengar says Ahimsa is love that embraces all creation. Denounce the violence but not the person doing the violence understanding freedom from fear and anger.  The female perspective roles are as nurturers and mothers who bring new life.  This dharmic purpose causes us to face our inner demons and to do the Shadow Work to develop self-love and compassion so we will live our own dharmic purpose and realizing bliss.

There are only two states of being:  Love and Fear.  fir cannot share the same couch.  Today I realize that  forgiveness is the substrate that violence we have imposed on ourselves due to materialism or ideology and ego.  Fear is driven by the thought that our boundaries have been violated.  Fear fuels thoughts of scarcity and limitations that block the flow of your life.

So now I am going to get personal and explore how my Dharma Teacher/Vata Dosha has played out according to truly understand about my life and thrive .

The Teacher is here to teach the experiences they undergo. They find the lesson in their human experience and share it with others. They’ll write a social media post revealing their key takeaways and action steps for you to learn too. They’re the type of people who taught themselves how to make vegan desserts or launch successful online businesses, and are now teaching others to do the same. They learn through teaching and everything they experience is understood through sharing it with others.

 The Teacher’s mission is to serve through knowledge. The obstacles they go through are exactly what they’re meant to share with others, which is why most coaches are Teachers. The personal experience fills them with a genuine desire to teach what they’ve overcome. They are the type to see the lesson in an obstacle even as they are dealing with it, and use it as an example as they guide others through it.

Teachers have natural leadership abilities, coupled with a deep empathic sense. They can tell instantly who is having an off day and provide them with the tools they need to lift themselves up. Of course they make incredible teachers and professors, but they could work in any type of career where they are able to pass along their teachings to others.

It’s also important for Teachers to know who wants the teaching, and not run their mouth imparting lessons to people who have no interest. That can come off as preachy, annoying, or aggressive. As a Teacher myself, I’ve had to learn to wait for interest. I can easily meet someone and instantly start fixing all their problems and inspiring them to live a new life—even though they never asked for that. We have to understand that we can screw with other people’s karmas by telling them things they aren’t ready for; part of their journey is to learn it themselves when the time is right and desire is there.

Teachers’ high Vata energy makes us especially tapped into the cosmos, allowing us to channel higher Source consciousness. A good teacher can speak to their students so that the knowledge is received. They know that self-awareness must come from within, and the best way they can educate others is to ask the right questions and remain in a high vibrational state so they can come up with their own answers.

Wow that pretty much sums my life up!   What I discovered is that writing this blog is also a form of my dharmic teacher characteristics.  In my younger years I was heavily influenced by my father and wanting to please him.  It was totally at my own expense.  But you know what?  That is exactly what was suppose to happen.  My father was playing that key role of building this foundation that lead me to become spiritually awakened.  He gave me a name that is Arabic in origin and has nothing to do with my heritage.  So it felt like a massive challenge to my identity and getting banged and victimized because of not fully being conscious of what was going on in my life.    I am working through my limiting beliefs as you may have read in a previous post.  I am working through my traumas, blocks and letting go of most of the things from the past that weren’t meant for me.

Here is an Insight Timer Espresso Meditation Shot

Namaste!

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan

 

Eating your Dosha!!

 

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved
No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

“The only way to shape your future is to discover who you are today. Without knowing your current reality, you can’t create your future reality.”

~  Nitin Namdeo

Let us now discover your dharma type…

Overview

In Self Test 1 Choose the answers that describe you best; you can choose up to four for each multiple choice question if you are unable to decide.

Next, read the paragraphs in Self Test 2 ~ Choose two that describe you best. Not all of their qualities have to fit, though they should at least elicit a gut reaction of “yeah, that’s me”—even if you don’t necessarily like them! There are two paragraphs for each type. If it is difficult to decide, you may pick as many paragraphs as you like and narrow the results later. Check the answer key at the bottom of each test to tally your choices. The two that receive the most tallies likely indicate your dharma type and the Life Cycle you are in.*1 It is useful to have friends or relatives help us with the tests and descriptions. Often we see ourselves differently from how the rest of the world perceives us. We may also be in a cycle that makes it difficult to access our essential dharma type. Life cycles can tint our basic expression like different colored lenses—some enhance our light while others sometimes diffuse it—so take your whole life into consideration when reading the following descriptions, and have a friend or relative help you in the process. Looking at yourself from childhood to now will provide a complete portrait that should help determine your type.

SELF TEST I

Circle the answers that best apply to you. You may choose more than one answer for each question if applicable. Try to think of qualities that are permanent in you, how you have always been, rather than how you are at times or during recent changes in your life. Tally them up at the end to determine your dharma type.

1. Circle the word that means the most to you or describes you best.
2. Freedom
3. Loyalty
4. Wisdom
5. Honor
6. Prosperity
7. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
8. Independence and Bliss
9. Love and Devotion
10. Worldliness and Knowledge
11. Discipline and Perfection
12. Entertainment and Fun
13. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
14. I love being alone. Sometimes I hate people, sometimes I like them, but they usually don’t understand me.
15. I don’t mind being alone as long as I have something constructive and productive to do.
16. I love being alone. I like people but I need time to spend by myself for quiet contemplation and rejuvenation. d. I don’t mind being alone, as long as I have a goal to accomplish. e. I hate being alone. I prefer the company of people, even if I don’t know them.
17. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
18. I like strange, dark, or wild and remote places no one has ever thought of or been to.
19. I like the plains and wide expanses of earth. I like living close to the ground, on ground floors rather than in high-rise apartments.
20. I like high and remote places. I like upper floors, high-rise buildings, and living above others looking down. d. I like challenging places, places that are high, but not so high as to be remote. I like fortified and strong places.
21. From the Beverly Hills to gently rolling slopes, I like places where the action is, places that are easy to get to, but also exclusive. I like living in the middle ground, not too high, not too low, where there is activity and access to the world.
22. Circle the sentence that describes you best.
23. I am the rebel or black sheep of my family. As a parent, I give freedom to my kids and let them individualize themselves from others.
24. I am deeply bonded with my family. As a parent, I nurture my kids by making sure they are well fed, healthy, and content.
25. I tend to teach my family and urge them to improve themselves. As a parent I make certain my kids learn how to think for themselves, get a good education, and understand the world.
26. I am the strong one in my family. As a parent I lead by example and earn my kids’ respect with discipline and order. e. I actively support my family with shelter and resources. As a parent I provide for my kids and make sure they understand the value of money, self-effort, and making your way in the world.
27. In religion I most value the following:
28. Going my own way.
29. Faith and devotion.
30. Study and scripture.
31. Penance and discipline.
32. Rituals and observances.
33. In marriage I most value the following:
34. An unconventional spouse, one who understands my particular quirks and desires.
35. A dutiful spouse who is loyal and provides for me: a woman who cooks and cleans/a man who brings home the bacon.
36. A sensitive, intelligent spouse.
37. A challenging spouse with whom I can do activities.
38. A beautiful spouse.
39. I mainly watch TV for:
40. Horror, alternative political and spiritual viewpoints, science fiction (like the sci-fi, FX, indie, and alternative channels).
41. Family, drama, history, and community programs (like soap operas, reality TV, daytime shows, cartoons, entertainment gossip, and reruns).
42. Educational, thought-provoking, human-interest stories and entertainment (like National Geographic, PBS, Syfy, and documentary channels).
43. Sports, action, news, and politics; adventure stories and entertainment (ESPN, CNN, etc.).
44. Fun programs, drama, music, comedy, game shows, financial and motivational stories and entertainment (like HBO, the Comedy Channel, and Spike).
45. Under stress I tend to:
46. Bend the rules or lie to get my way; feel invisible and self-deprecate.
47. Become lazy, close down in my own space, and worry a lot.
48. Be scatterbrained, feckless, and wishy-washy.
49. Become anger prone, inattentive, and reckless.
50. Be moody, depressed, loud, and restless.
51. At my best I am:
52. A revolutionary, an inventor, a genius.
53. A devoted friend, a hard worker, a caregiver.
54. A counselor, a teacher, a diplomat.
55. A leader, a hero, a risk taker.
56. An optimist, a self-starter, a promoter, an adventurer.

Answer Key for Self Test I

1. _____    _____          C.  _____          D.  _____          E.  _____

Tally your answers now. The most selected letter likely reflects your dharma type.

For confirmation you should now move on to Self Test II.

1. Outsider
2. Laborer
3. Educator
4. Warrior
5. Merchant

SELF TEST II

Select two paragraphs that describe you best. Then refer to the answer key to determine your type.

1. Sometimes I think no one really understands me, and no one ever will. I love freedom and need to feel independent and free most of all. Although I can fit into many crowds, I never really feel a part of any of them. I wear many hats but none of them defines me. People may see me as secretive or mysterious, but I am just the way I am—different. By fate or choice I am attracted to foreign lands, cultures, religions, and values and have embraced some of these. I have talents and abilities that are not always recognized, and it can be hard to make a living if I do not compromise with my society. My ambitions are somewhat unique, and I have a quirky way of seeing the world. Sometimes I feel lost and don’t know what my true purpose is, but when I look at others I am reminded of what it is not: I can’t conform to somebody else’s lifestyle just for the sake of security, even though I may not have found my own.
2. I have often dreamt of owning my own business and being financially independent. From an early age I have felt a need to provide and be provided for. I have a strong sense of the value of money and I don’t mind working long hours to generate security for myself and my family. I don’t pay much attention to my body, unless it is part of my business or I have the leisure time. I like giving and the feeling that it creates, but in this competitive world it is most important to secure my own and my family’s needs first. I have a good practical sense and know how to take care of mundane obligations. I believe that anyone can make it in today’s society if they’re willing to apply themselves. I am motivated and self-driven and can’t understand idealistic or so-called spiritual people who deny the importance of financial security.
3. I like to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I believe in standing up for a good cause whether it is social, environmental, ecological, etc. Money is less important to me than securing justice in the world. I have strong convictions and character, and people often look to me for leadership. I have an inner strength that drives me to achieve. I can usually outperform others by sheer force of will. I have an eye for deception and can tell when someone is lying. I admire wisdom and like to associate with smart and educated people, though I may not have the time or opportunity to cultivate these qualities in myself. I can be highly disciplined and therefore acquire skills quickly. At my best I am courageous, noble, and self-sacrificing, but I can also be distracted, anger prone, and judgmental.
4. I love the camaraderie of working with others to construct something useful. I am handy, skilled, practical, and not averse to work. I am devoted to friends and family, and though not an intellectual I have a good sense about things, though I can’t always explain it in words. My needs and tastes are simple, and it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy: good food, good company, and a solid roof over my head are the essentials in life. I like being of service and feeling needed. Being useful to someone is more important than how much money I make, though I don’t like to be cheated. I believe in hard work and don’t understand lazy people. I can be superstitious and have deep-seated beliefs about things that often stem from my childhood and cannot be easily rationalized.
5. I prefer intellectual work to physical labor. I can be idealistic and focus on concepts and philosophies rather than living in the real world. I become disheartened by the ugliness and injustice of life and often lack energy to change it. I have always been smarter and more perceptive than most of my peers, though not inherently practical. I like to counsel others, though I don’t always practice what I preach. I have a knack for encouraging and finding the best in people, and as a result people come to me for advice. I don’t have a killer instinct and that’s a disadvantage if I try to compete in physical or other cutthroat professions. I like to live in a peaceful environment, rather than the hustle and bustle of the busy world. I often know what needs to be done but don’t necessarily have the energy or skills to do it. It is often easier for me to tell others what to do rather than to do it myself.
6. I set strong standards for myself and expect to live up to them. I love competition, debate, and testing my limits. I even compete with myself when others are not around. I have a huge heart, and my generosity sometimes gets me in trouble. I like to lay down the law in my family and with others. From early on I was blessed with physical and mental strength, though I often abuse these by pushing too much—I play hard and party hard. I like to care for those who cannot fend for themselves: the innocent, the elderly, and the underprivileged.
7. I hate constrictive social, religious, and moral institutions, and I feel it is my right to speak and act out against them. I also feel justified in flouting an unjust law and not conforming to artificial regulations. I am physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually different from others, and because of this I find it hard to fit in. I can see through people’s bullshit, and that makes me want to run away from society. Sometimes I resent normal people who were born with opportunities that I don’t have. I would rather overthrow the status quo to allow fresh growth than try to patch things up piece by piece. I respect an authority that allows me to be who I am and understands the gifts I have to offer.
8. I am a devoted, loyal, patriotic person and have a deep connection to the things that are dearest to me: my family, friends, God, and country. I believe it is important to abide by the codes and principles of my country, church, and society. I love to build community. I guess you could say I’m sentimental about the things I value. A dutiful worker, I believe in getting a job done right and am faithful to my word. I am also very good at what I do and specialize in well-developed skills. I secretly admire widely read and cultured people and wish I were a bit more like them, but I just don’t have the time to waste on that and prefer to be better at what I do than to know a lot of trivia. I have to touch, see, hear, or feel something; otherwise it is not real for me.
9. I love attention and being the life of the party. I am quick and clever and find it easy to get along with others. I can be very likable, though I don’t necessarily like other people and am more attached to the few people I can really trust—myself and my family. I am naturally glib and gregarious, and people tend to believe what I say. I have good taste and appreciation for the finer things in life, things that have beauty and value. However, I sometimes feel an emptiness that I have to fill with outside things, though it is never really filled until I give or do something for others. Sometimes I feel that I am not worth anything, and that if people really knew me they wouldn’t like me. Because of this I respect those who have raised and supported me, and I work hard to pay back their love in return. I am also very emotional and can go to extremes of depression and elation. This volatility may cost me in relationships and in my health, and I sometimes like to numb it with drugs, sex, and entertainment. I enjoy all sorts of fun, from performing for people and being the center of attention to watching others do the same.
10. I consider myself a rather cultured, mild-mannered person. I don’t tolerate vulgarity or crass behavior. I have special food preferences and daily regimes that require me to be alone for parts of the day so I can tend to my rather delicate constitution. I tend to be solitary in my personal habits and prefer losing myself in a book more than engaging in the hustle and bustle of the world. I like the realm of ideas and concepts, though I am rarely able to embody them in the real world. I don’t have abundant physical energy, though I enjoy sports, games, and being in Nature for their recreational and inspirational value.

Answer Key for Self Test II

1 and 7:            Outsider

2 and 9:            Merchant

3 and 6:            Warrior

4 and 8:            Laborer

5 and 10:          Educator

Knowledge of Ayurveda enables one to understand how to create this balance of body, mind and consciousness according to one’s own individual constitution and how to make lifestyle changes to bring about and maintain this balance.

by Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc

Tailoring Your Profession to Your Dosha by Kayse Budd, M.D

A dosha is an explanation of your mind-body type in Ayurveda. There are three—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. You may have one dominant dosha or be a mix. Knowing your dosha can inform your life and decision-making.
An especially intelligent, talented, and hard-working client told me about some difficulty he’s been having at work. He feels a lot of pressure—such as pressure to be productive multiple hours in a day and pressure to execute numerous company goals. This type of sustained focus and achievement doesn’t come naturally to him, which is a source of great anxiety. He thinks he is defective in some way and wonders if he is in the wrong profession.

Vata

After a big, compassionate sigh, I remind him, “But you’re a Vata!” I implored him to consider this carefully. Vatas naturally have short attention spans. They think and work in spurts—alternating moments of inspiration and activity with periods of rest and (restorative) distraction. Vatas perform best in roles that highlight creativity, thought, and new or changing directions. Vatas naturally lack structure and appreciate variety.
The Vata personality is enthusiastic and cheerful with amazing mental agility. Vatas are sensitive and perceptive. When stressed, they become anxious. Vatas are born visionaries—excellent at thinking outside the box. This makes them an amazing asset in the right role. As creatives, they have an innate tendency to be disorganized. This lack of order can be a challenge in some environments but can be harnessed for innovation in others.

Pitta

Pittas, on the other hand, are organized, dedicated, determined, and persistent. They have drive, ambition, efficiency, and a penetrating mind. Most Pittas possess a notable desire to do things “right” (and show others how it’s done). Pittas have passion! They are capable, take-charge people who want to succeed at all they do.
Pittas can lead with warmth and purpose and be an exceptionally productive member of a team. They have excellent focus. Their intensity and expectations can lead to greatness (or occasionally mire them in tension—internally and with colleagues). In a collaborative environment, Pittas can excel by picking up a creative impulse put forward by a Vata and developing it to its fullest potential.

Kapha

Kapha is the slowest, most steady, and most easy-going dosha. Kaphas are not as driven, responsive, and fiery as Pittas, nor as eager, flexible, and imaginative as Vatas. Kaphas are supportive. They are nurturing. They are finishers.
It is great to have a Kapha on a team because they will usually speak the voice of reason and practicality. They naturally create the structure a business needs to function. Kaphas’ resistance to change, however, can sometimes delay progress or hamper dynamism. Kaphas usually do things the long and sensible way. They have excellent integrity and are consistent and dependable. When the Vatas (first) and then Pittas (much later) become bored with a project, the loyal and responsible Kaphas follow through all the way to the end.

Listen to Your Dosha

Each dosha is dramatically different when it comes to natural abilities, energy level, work style, strengths, and weaknesses. These differences ideally need to be considered when thinking about personal work goals and optimum professional environments. You have a touch of every dosha within you, but usually one or two predominate. More often than not, your dominant dosha influences your work style and preferences, whether you realize it or not.
With so much change happening in the world, many people are rethinking what they want to do, how they want to work, and what their true dharma (soul purpose) might be. This is a perfect time to consider what makes you happy (in life and in work) so you can make sure to incorporate more of that into your world moving forward.
Vatas will likely find this time (and the needed inner conversations) easier than the other doshas because relative “comfort with change” is one of the gifts of Vata. Kaphas generally have a harder time letting go of what is familiar, even if it is no longer serving them. And Pittas fall in the middle. It’s okay wherever you fall. Get to know your unique self as best you can, and try to work toward the goal of evaluating what you really want to do and be in this next stage in your life. Sincere inquiry helps you progress on your soul’s destined path.

Find Your Dharma

What if you don’t know what you want to be doing? How can you figure out your purpose or dharma? Astrology shines with this endeavor, though it’s not the only way. Observing and listening to the feedback from yourself over time is one of the most reliable means of finding your soul’s intended path in life. Learn to feel and follow gentle signs and synchronicities. Observe restlessness as well as engagement. (Are things working out easily or with great difficulty?) Notice feelings of fulfillment or dissatisfaction. What is missing? Continue to make subtle micro-adjustments—adding and subtracting things as you hone in on what is right, now.
Simply orienting toward the good may be over-simplified, however. You are meant to work through challenges in life, as this is how the soul learns. Sometimes a path or person you feel “guided toward” may end up causing pain and hardship. This does not mean the direction or connection was or is “wrong.” It most likely means there was something important to learn on that path or with that person. “Pathfinding” is the journey of life. It is always evolving.
An astrology chart validates intuition because it clearly shows a person’s innate tendencies: gifts, challenges, work themes, family issues, relationship potential, and so on. Some people have much stronger professional dharma in their charts than others. It’s useful to know this, even if you never explore astrology further. If you feel extremely motivated to produce and excel in your career, chances are high that you are one of the people with strong “career purpose.”
If instead, you feel a greater call to be domestic or focus on family or self-development or community/social interaction, then those things are likely part of the learning plan or path of your soul. It’s good to embrace the idea that dharma can be many things—not just financially productive work. Most individuals in this world need to make money, however. So, if your heart’s focus seems to lie more strongly in another area of life, then consider your dosha when trying to figure out what kind of professional environments could be a suitable fit.

3 Exercises for Finding Your Professional Fit

A good place to start with the quest to align with your dharma (after understanding your dosha) is to examine which workplace roles or functions worked well for you in the past. Grab a journal and make a list of your most meaningful professional experiences.

There may be a pattern toward enjoying interactions with a certain type of client or colleague. (Challenges earlier in life often create talent with specific populations, for example.) There may be a natural ability with sales or a preference for behind-the-scenes support and organization. A love of teaching or writing may be evident. There could be an appreciation of a reliable paycheck. The wish for more or less autonomy, creativity, or responsibility could be present. Think about your dosha as you examine the two columns. How do the likes and challenges you’ve written relate to the doshic tendencies described above? This is an excellent exercise for reflecting your values.

The second exercise is to think about past work reviews and feedback from clients, colleagues, and coworkers. Make notes about what people said you did well and also what they identified as your weaknesses. Does any of this feedback meaningfully relate to your dosha? Purpose is a part of you that comes easily. It can literally “light you up” (you become more animated and “brighter” to anyone watching). Soul-aligned work makes you feel better when you are doing it.
Think about whether you’ve ever had a “flow” moment at work—a moment when time seemed to stand still and take on a kind of energetic openness. In these flow moments, you function intuitively, almost as if guided by a mysterious energy or higher power. In flow states, the personality seems to move out of the way a bit, and it’s possible to enter a kind of sacred space with a client or project. Flow is a wonderful experience that causes people to feel energized and inspired. It helps you know when you are on the right track.

This third exercise is very important. Think about what you love (Exercise 1), what you are good at (Exercise 2), and what the world needs (or wants) that you can provide. Many people get a bit stuck thinking their work has to be aligned with their absolute favorite passion. It’s an excellent goal! But, for a professional endeavor to succeed financially, that passion has to translate into something people want or need. This sweet spot exercise is a creative opportunity! Can you think of a way to turn your passion and talent into a business concept, position of employment, or product? Use this exercise to ponder whether you have skills and gifts that people also want and need, even if they aren’t your most favorite-favorite thing.
Again, think about your dosha here. A Vata may be able to turn a passion or talent into a usable idea relatively easily, but they may lack the drive or perseverance to see it through. If they are really committed, the Vata may want to recruit a Pitta and a Kapha whose dreams and abilities also align with the Vata’s inspiration. Ultimately, you have to feel in your heart which way to go in life. Only you can make the crucial decisions. But don’t worry; there is no “wrong way.” If you go down a path and reach many roadblocks, observe that feedback, and consider another way. Your choice provided learning and experience, and that information has now set you on a new course. On you go.

Honor Yourself

Vatas are likely to have paths that are varied. Their norm is to do many jobs and try multiple different things. This is the nature of Vata. And thus, variety most likely plays a role in the dharma of a Vata. Pittas frequently climb quickly to the top of their company’s ladder and/or reach early success. They may move to another company or another line of work after exhausting growth where they are. If they do not move, a Pitta can become bored or depressed. Lack of challenge and reward depletes their vitality. Achievement is likely part of the dharma of a Pitta. Kaphas, in contrast, regularly stay in a single position or with a single employer for a long time. This is due to their inherently stable nature. Kaphas often have difficulty letting go of a position even after it is failing to bring growth or emotional fulfillment. Supporting others likely plays a part in the dharma of a Kapha.

To all the Vatas out there, look for positions that value new ideas and enthusiasm, have potential for fresh projects and collaborations, and offer opportunities to exercise your excellent teaching, speaking, and writing abilities. Make sure to honor your natural need for variety and tendency toward lower efficiency and weaker organizational skills. Some structure may benefit you; too much will be constraining. Think about and discuss this when you say yes to your next position.
Pittas, see and value your incredible work ethic and passion. You will most likely be best suited to professions that have a well-developed structure, with room for growth and achievement. You can be excellent at many things—as your natural warmth enlivens almost any endeavor. Pittas can shine in sales, the corporate world, coaching, owning their own businesses, law, medicine, and much more. Take care not to let the Pitta drive and determination keep you in a less-than-joyful situation long. Pittas can burn out by relentlessly pushing themselves in a position that is no longer creating the growth they crave.

Kaphas, you are the foundational people in any enterprise. You provide the support and structure that can help a business or project succeed. You do well in roles that allow you ample opportunity to exercise your natural sense of nurturing and grounded guidance. You can thrive in environments steeped in tradition or time, where rapid changes (which stress your sense of stability) aren’t likely. University settings, government, hospitals, or other institutions are potentially good fits. But any role where you are providing backbone stability or support would honor your natural doshic gifts and allow you to feel fulfilled by being exactly who you are. A position with occasional variety or surprises (or Vatas on the team) may serve to keep a Kapha from becoming languid.

In Summary

Your work is important. It occupies a huge portion of our time and energy. Finding optimal professional expression is one of the most important tasks in life, really. But remember, dharma evolves! Honoring who you are is key to getting on the true path of your soul. When we’re on the soul’s path, fulfillment is an easy, regular occurrence. Using your dosha to help you know and value your strengths, while making compassionate room for your weaknesses, is a way to honor yourself.

Understanding natural doshic tendencies can help you minimize comparisons, release impossible standards, and stop pushing yourself to squeeze into a role that may never fit. Embracing who you are and expressing this self-knowledge to potential clients and employers is something that will set you and them up for much greater success in the long run. Commit to your own greatness and to the greatness of any company or client that hires you. Aim to exemplify the very best of your doshic potential. And if you really want to shine, add the magic ingredient of love. Endeavor to express love through your words and actions to clients, colleagues, strangers, everyone. Allow the work you do to be a conscious extension of yourself. Let your dosha guide you to your dharma and slowly unlock the beautiful mystery of you!

 

Eating the life you were meant to.
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A Three Minute Practice to Meditate Anywhere

Meditation can’t always happen in blissful silence. Diana Winston takes us through a 3-minute practice that allows us to find a space where we can rest and settle the mind, even in the midst of noise.
1. Begin this meditation by noticing the posture that you’re in. You may be standing or sitting or lying down.
2. Notice your body exactly as it is. See if you can tune in to any sensations that are present to you in your body in this moment. There might be heaviness or lightness, pressure, weight. There might be vibration, pulsating, movement, warmth, coolness, These sensations can be anywhere in your body, and all you have to do is notice them. Notice what’s happening with curiosity and interest.
3. Take a breath. As you breathe, relax. Not much to do except be fully present and aware.
4. Now let go of the body’s sensations, and turn your attention to the sounds inside or outside the room. There may be all sorts of sounds happening: loud sounds, quiet sounds. You can also notice the silence between the sounds. But the sounds are coming and going. Notice them coming and going.
5. Note the sounds instead of narrating them. One tendency of our mind is to want to think about the sounds, to start to make up a story about the sound, or we have a reaction to it: I like it, I don’t like it. See if instead, you can simply listen to the sound. Notice it with curiosity and interest. The sounds are coming and going.
6. Check in before you check out. Now once again, notice your body standing, present, or seated, or lying down. Notice any body sensations that are obvious to you. Take another breath, soften, and when you’re ready, you can open your eyes.
Listen to the audio version of this practice on http://www.mindful.org.

Namaste!

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan

 

Eating the life you were meant to eat!

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved
No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

“Our thoughts and feelings have a chemical effect on our bodies. Stress, repressed emotions, depression, anxiety, lives lived half-assed — all have profound effects on our wellbeing. 

Even our fears, hurts and sufferings need to be digested, along with our last meal. 

Being truly nourished has just as much to do with our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and experiences as it does with what we are feeding ourselves on a daily basis.” 

Corona @nurturepod.com 

What Is Dharma? Discovering My Life’s Purpose by Mallika Chopra

Your work is important to your Dharma or life purpose.  It consumes most of your time and energy through out your adult life.  Discovering your dosha which is your physical constitution in three main categories – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. 

Dharma is your unique purpose in life. It is the process by which you use your unique skills and passions to serve your community and the world.

As children, my father Deepak Chopra taught my brother and me the concept of dharma through his intentions, choices, and actions. We watched him transition professionally from a traditional doctor with a successful medical practice to an advocate for mind/body integration and consciousness.

This was not easy – he was often attacked by others and in financial distress – yet, he used his unique skills as a scientist, writer, and speaker, guided by his inner knowing to authentically live his purpose. We witnessed his personal transformation through daily meditation practice and self-reflection to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled life.

My mother was also a guiding light to us – she found meaning and purpose as the matriarch of our extended family and community. She patiently nurtured my brother’s and my individual interests. Our parents gave us the opportunity and freedom to study our passions, and gave us the practices to integrate purpose into our work and personal lives.

The Power of Intention

Early on, my father taught us about the power of intention – exploring our deepest desires to manifest the life we wanted. After meditation, he would guide us to ask the following questions:

• Who am I?
• What do I want?
• How can I serve?

Listening, honestly and with humility, to the seeds of desire that arose as we asked these questions became the anchors to live with intention. We learned to ask for the qualities in our life that would make us happier, healthier, and connected to others.

There is a phrase in the Upanishads, one of the great Indian texts, that says:

You are what your deepest desire is,
As is your desire, so is your intent,
As is your intent, so is your will,
As is your will, so is your deed,
As is your deed, so is your destiny.

Reflecting on different stages of my life, I realize that my desire for love, connection, and service have remained consistent. My will (what I am willing to do) and deeds (action) have changed as my roles (mom, entrepreneur, author) evolved with the practicalities of education, time, financial security, and the community around me changed.

Fulfilling My Dharma

Despite the support and example set by my parents, I will admit that I often felt pressure to do something important and impactful to fulfill “my dharma”. I realized early on in my professional career that “dharma” for me was not necessarily going to be achieved through a traditional job. It took me decades grappling with this concept before I felt that I could fully embrace it.

I think the first time I knew my purpose – at my core – was when I discovered I was pregnant. My journey became about love in its purest form – hopeful, inspired, in awe of the power that came with nurturing a new soul. I also remember the specific moment – when I was 5 months pregnant on 9/11 – in the blur of sadness, fear and anxiety, that purpose took on a new dimension. As a parent-to-be, instinctively protective on my children who were coming into a suffering world, I knew that my intention to serve had to be combined with action to support others in our community, as well.

now know my dharma plays out in the moments of daily service to my loved ones when I am guided by love and gratitude.

As you think about your purpose, think about the role you play as a frequency holder in your family, community, and the world. Ask – how can I serve? And pay attention to how your purpose manifests itself every day through your actions.

Find guidance as you connect with your higher self in You and Your Dharma, a new four-part series on the Chopra App led by Chopra Global’s Chief Impact Officer, Devi Brown

Holidaze on the Side

Lentil Pastelon

Author: Dani

This Lentil Pastelon recipe has layers of fried plantains, lentils, and lots of cheese. You won’t be able to eat just one bite!

 PREP TIME:  25 mins

COOK TIME:  20 mins

SERVINGS 6 

COURSE Main Course

CUISINE American, Caribbean

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped (or 1 medium sweet onion)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium red bell peppers, sliced lengthwise
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water (use as needed)
• 3 cups cooked lentils
• coarse salt and pepper
• 6-8 ripe plantains
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese
• fresh herbs to garnish (I used thyme and sage)

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, saute until shallots become translucent. Add bell peppers and jalapeno and cook for 1 minute. Add seasonings, dried herbs, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water (start with half of the water). Stir to combine. Add cooked lentils and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Check lentils. If the sauce is too thick, add remaining water and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove dutch oven from the heat and rest covered for another 10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken further. Set aside.
2. Peel plantains and cut lengthwise. You should get about 3-4 pieces per plantain. Fry plantain in canola oil until each side is golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking dish. Line dish with a layer of plantains, followed by the lentil mixture, then provolone, mozarella, and gouda. Repeat twice more for 3 total layers. Top with more coarse salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese melts and is bubbly. If your cheese is not brown enough, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let the pastelon rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and spices.

Namaste!
Blessings to all…
In Gratitude,
Jan

Eating the life you were meant to.
Sign up for blog free! Tastingnirvana@outlook.com

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No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.

Hello my name is Jan short for Jannat. Tasting Nirvana is the backstory of my accepting a post on the Africa Mercy Ship on October 1, 2021. Unfortunately, Spain cancelled all flights on Monday October 1st so I had to find a place to stay until October 18th. It gave me the opportunity to imagine new ways to be resourceful and creative.  I decided to live at The Green Tortoise Hostel instead of a motel (hadn’t planned on any expense for 18 days). I discovered new ways to solve my money problems with a passive income through this blog, working in the galley as well as fundraising for the Africa Mercy Ship. 

Tasting Nirvana blog is my perspectives regarding to the cultural differences between people, places and things.  Posts will focus on recipes, Aryurvedic nutrition, how to become inspired, engaged and interested in cooking foods for your body and wellbeing. The approach is creativity in a relaxed and joyful manner with a new perspective on food, sustainability and cooking out hunger through food banks, community cooking classes, creating a network of restaurants and local grocery stores giving the food the the community. 

While waiting for October 18th, I decided to add more life skills and get a better understanding of living with these challenges through meditating and healing the somatic blocks allowing me to gain a better understanding of myself. body and spirit. Understanding the impermanence in this situation and why I am experiencing this right now.  Here’s what I discovered.

The aspects of my life that aren’t benefitting me and changing them is my first step in this journey.  It turns out that I am having a wonderful time incorporating the Ayurvedic approach into my daily life and seeing how I would like it to play out under any circumstances…Hostel, apartment, farm or aboard a ship.  I would like to experience it all.  Thriving through Wellness makes life worthy for everyone.

Namaste!

Blessings to all…

In Gratitude,

Jan

Cooking Out Hunger!

Sign up for blog free! Tastingnirvana@outlook.com

© 2021 Tasting Nirvana- All Rights Reserved
No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission of author.