Trailhead Magazine Spring 2014 Issue | Page 25

This is the difference in a practice rooted in the spiritual depths of Ayurveda. We understand the inherent divinity in all, respecting the needs of each person. We can no longer accept the impersonal, destructive practices of conventional medicine.

The Importance of Regional Support Centers

It is important for clients/students to have a local support center to serve as a community center for emotional support and education. This center would help people navigate the period of vulnerability as they change. If we are encouraging people to change their habits, we have to make it safe for them to do so. A support center close to home keeps people in their comfort zone while they learn tools and techniques to help them on a new lifestyle that brings harmony to them and our world. This regional support center would allow individual attention rather than focusing on a class or group.. The practitioner and the support center serve to hold the individual accountable for the health of his body, mind and spirit helping him/her to continue with the discipline of a daily personal practice. It is clear that people need to learn to take care of themselves again, focusing on preventative care, rather than relying on doctors/medication.

Service

Finally, a fundamental aspect of our practice is in service to others and to our planet. Once our daily routine is in place, we turn our attention outward to help alleviate the suffering of others and our planet, repairing the damage we have done. We live in a chemical soup. We are taught that in order to be physically healthy we must 1) stop taking in toxins 2) get rid of the toxins we have, and 3) repair the damage from those toxins. These rules also apply to our planet.

Everything we do to improve the quality of our earth, water and air is a step forward. Every person we educate about simple steps to reduce pollution is a step forward.