An Afternoon with an Ayurvedic Healer

Knowing absolutely nothing about the subject, I went to a lecture this past weekend by an Ayurvedic Healer.  The literal translation of Ayurveda, by the way, is the science of life; derived from the Sanskrit words ayur meaning life and veda, meaning knowledge or science.  Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is considered the oldest healing science. The aim is to integrate balance between the mind, body and spirit - to prevent illness and promote wellness. Using natural substances like herbs and oils and massage, it's considered "alternative" medicine here in the U.S.

 

               Joan's gorgeous gardens

The lecture was held at my friend Joan's incredibly zen, South Pasadena home.  First, a quick story about how Joan and Janesh Vaidya, the healer, met.  Three years ago Joan lost her beloved husband of 17 years, Martin, after he suffered a massive heart attack.  Joan could not cope with her grief. How could the love of her life die at just 52, while in such excellent health, leaving her alone to raise their young son?  Joan felt that all of her dreams were shattered. Neither friends, family nor a psychiatrist could help Joan with the debilitating ache in her heart.  Five weeks after Martin’s death, desperate to help Joan, two of her close friends suggested a meeting with Janesh. Joan agreed. 

At their first meeting, Joan told Janesh the story of her relationship with Martin, his sudden death, and the huge void in her life.  “The first words Janesh said to me were, ‘Joan, you were so lucky, you got to borrow Martin for 17 years.’  When he said that, it was the first thing that made sense to me.  How lucky I was to have had Martin in my life for so long.  It was the first time I actually felt better and the beginning of my healing process.

Joan and Janesh have since developed a beautiful friendship and when Janesh is in town he often visits Joan.  And, that’s how I got chance to hear this very interesting, thought-provoking lecture.  Here’s a synopsis of what Janesh shared about his ideas, philosophies, and methodologies on living a fulfilling, healthy life.

MODERN MEDICINE vs. AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

With modern medicine, if something is wrong, you take some physical measurements, and then you pop a pill.  With Ayurveda, you need to think: ok, I have a headache but what is causing it?  You learn to use basically a 6^th sense and that is based on understanding nature.  It’s like having a 3^rd eye.  What do you see and what do you know that might be causing the headache?  What changes can you make in your life to rid yourself of headache?

PROBLEM SOLVING

I compare problems in life to big waves in the ocean. Here’s what typically happens.  A huge wave comes and knocks us off our feet and we then reel from it.  It’s like we are in the ocean but we are surprised that a big wave comes.  Instead, in life, we should expect the waves.  Just like problems, they’ll come at us one after one in life.  When the problem comes, be a good solver and then wait for the one to come, knowing its definitely coming. And use the energy of the wave to solve the problem and grow from it. Look at problems just like you look at waves. If there were no waves, wouldn’t the ocean be boring?

AGING

In Indian culture, a man’s life span is believed to be 120.  But in the west, people believe life ends or is downhill from 60.  So it’s like you work all your life, get some financial stability, the kids are gone and you finally have time to yourself, and what?  It’s over?  No.  Life begins at 60.  You're a student until the age of sixty and then you get to enjoy life full-time.  Is a sunrise any more beautiful than a sunset? Look in the mirror don’t frown at wrinkles. Think that you’ve earned then and they are part of who you are.  Who you are comes from inner beauty anyways – it has nothing to do with how you look.

THE ECONOMY

Nowadays when I'm having a workshop people come and they're upset about the economy.  They’ve lost money and status and now they’re depressed.  I say but you are alive! The most wonderful thing is to be alive.  60,000 people die in the world each hour and you could be one of them – but you are not!

EMBRACE THE PRESENT

Love only the present.  Don’t love the past or the future.  Love only today.  And, feel the preciousness of time.  It will make you appreciate the beauty of life.  Lie in bed for an extra few minutes when you wake up and thank God for that day.  Give thanks and realize it could be your last day and think about something you’d love to do that day.  Not something you have to do that day but something that would make for a beautiful moment.  Make it happen. 

ATTACHMENT

Don't get attached to anything.  Love but don't get attached - whether it be to a person, status, money, a house, whatever.  Realize that nothing is permanent. It all goes away someday. You can and will lose everything.  The key is just to love unconditionally - from friendships to marriage.  Touch everyone you can with your positive inner energy.  The only thing that you have that will last is love.  At the end, when everything is gone, you will still have love.