The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Jackal

In the west, we understand the concept of "You are what you eat." Ancient Indian texts explain Aahara, or diet, by using the example of the elephant, the tiger, and the jackal. The elephant is a vegetarian. This animal represents the sattvic mind. With Sattva, we can think clearly, and act appropriately, according to the laws of nature. The elephant is strong, gentle and intelligent. The tiger is carnivorous. He represents the rajassic mind, which is action-oriented. He kills and eats animals, which makes him fierce and aggressive. The tiger is restless, always on the prowl. The jackal represents the tamassic mind. Tamas is destructive, but this is not necessarily negative. We need to finish something, complete it, before we can move on to the next. The jackal survives by eating food left uneaten by other animals. He is fearful, cunning, and lazy. Our goal is to acquire the saatvic qualities of the elephant. One way we can do that is to favor a vegetarian diet, and eating fresh foods, beans, and almonds to to increase calmness, clarity and creativity.
by Lisa Coffey

The Ayurvedic Lifestyle

The Ayurvedic Lifestyle Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle is all about living life in balance.  It is a holistic approach to food, work, sleep and relationships.  The Ayurvedic lifestyle is actually very simple, and practical, and helps us to be our healthiest and happiest. -Food: Eat foods that are fresh, whole and organic.  Favor foods for your dosha to optimize the digestion, assimilation, and elimination process.  Favor fresh fruits and vegetables, andwhole grains.  Foods cooked fresh each day, and with love, produce the most ojas, which are the biochemical equivalent to bliss. -Work:  Do work that you love, and that also helps others; this is your dharma, or purpose in life.  Balance your work with play.  Keep your work life in perspective; it is a part of your life, it is not who you are. -Sleep:  Most adults need at least 8 hours of sleep, and children need up to 12 hours of sleep a night.  Lack of sleep can cause anxiety, anger and depression, and can wreak havoc on our relationships.  Follow nature's rhythms - get to bed by 10 pm and awake by 6 am. -Relationships: Love and accept people for who they are, not who you think they should be.  Forgive unconditionally.  The mind always tries to set conditions, but follow the heart, which craves love, and unconditional forgiveness.  This is the healthiest thing you can do for any relationship. by Lisa Coffey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-wyClyK0xc&feature=channel_page