The laws of nature (magnetic, geothermal, gravity) were attributed to the forces/gods (e.g. Indra, Agni, Vayu) giving them personal attributes. The spirits/gods of nature could be as real as the person standing next to us thus creating a community. So much of the population is cut-off from this idea of a living universe leading to a feeling of isolation and a sense of disconnect that results in behaviors/habits that are not in the best interest of the individual or the whole. Separateness keeps us in a state of conflict. We find ourselves searching…trying to find ways to fill the gap of our true selves as one with nature. When one is free from the bonds of the mind and its likes and dislikes then one flows in the world and is in complete harmony with it. To live in harmony with nature means to flow with its rhythms and to rise above the judgments of good or bad.
As most of the population in this country moves away from organized religion, there is no one holding us spiritually accountable or guiding our spiritual growth so it is the likes and dislikes, our habits of perception and judgment that bounce us around. If one observes the world from a place in it there is no judgment, just calm acceptance.
When Imbalance Manifests
Of course our first line of defense in healing our bodies is “kitchen medicine,” eating a diet that is in harmony with our particular nature made up of locally grown, preferably organic fruits, vegetables grains and legumes. However, when stronger medication is needed we turn to herbs. Drugging our bodies inevitably drugs our environment too, as many medications can pass through our bodies and waste treatment facilities virtually intact. And it is difficult to predict where and how unexpectedly vulnerable creatures may accrue potentially toxic doses.
Seeing Practitioner When Needed
The Ayurvedic practitioner becomes a guide for the client, a partner in helping them to achieve optimum health. Practitioner and client form a relationship. As my parish priest once said during a homily, “When someone asks for help that is sacred space.”