Ayurveda - Like Creates Like
Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga. An ancient health system that takes into consideration each individual’s unique mind-body type and uses lifestyle, diet and yogic practices to create balance in the entire system.
I first learned about Ayurveda through The Highest Self Podcast by Sahara Rose. Then, recently, I embarked on a 50-hour Ayurveda Foundations course at The Soul of Yoga with Mas Vidal. One of the overarching themes of Ayurveda is “like creates like”.
We are drawn to things that are on the same frequency we are on, but Ayurveda teaches that it can be beneficial to seek out the opposite so that our system can come into balance somewhere in the middle.
Here are two examples of stereotypical lifestyle scenarios where like creates like:
Person A lives in a tiny house, rarely leaves home, works from home, watches lots of Netflix and avoids exercise. Person A avoids social gatherings but feels lonely. Person A will very likely continue to choose activities that require little energy output and probably prefers to just take naps and lounge around even though these things may cause Person A to feel lethargic, tired or even depressed. Like magnetizes like.
OR
Person B works a high demanding job, travels often, eats meals while talking on the phone or during meetings. Person B loves to do CrossFit, Orange Theory, hot yoga and spin classes. Person B can be a bit of a perfectionist and even keeps moving around and working on projects when they’re at home or on vacation and they very likely have trouble falling asleep because their mind is still moving at lightning speed. Person B is never totally satisfied and may feel anxiety or stress building under the surface but keeps moving fast to avoid feeling anything. Like just creates more like.
We get so comfortable in our habits and patterns – even if they are leading us towards depression or anxiety! We are so stuck in our comfort zones sometimes it seems crazy to try something different. Maybe we don’t even believe that changing a little part of our lifestyle would even make us feel any better. But, as I’ve been experimenting with this on myself, I can assure you that small changes really help!
If you resonate with Person A. I recommend adding more variety to our routine. If you feel lethargic and tired, chose to move instead; walk around the block or try a group fitness class. Join a meet-up for something you’re curious about and get out of the house and meet some other people that are interested in that topic too. You may find that moving your body feels good and that socializing every once in awhile will remind you that you are not alone!
If you resonate with Person B. Give yourself permission to slow down. Start a gratitude journal and take time every day to be happy for what you have in the present. Meditate – even 5 minutes a day will start to help you put things in perspective. Eat lunch in solitude, take time to actually enjoy and taste your meals. Make the phone call or send the email AFTER you eat. Productivity is subjective. Is it worth it to “get everything done” if your mental health is suffering as a result? Consider how you find balance.
If you are somewhere between Person A & B these suggestions may still be beneficial. I encourage you to choose one that you feel resistant to. Try the thing you’ve never tried or the thing that is out of your comfort zone. Those are very often the things that help us learn and grow the most! What you are resisting might be the thing that’s keeping you stuck in habits and patterns that are no longer serving you. Today, you can choose to move towards balance instead.
