HeyMonicaB: A Blooming Resource on Ayurveda

In our very smart world, we are discovering how we can defy nature to make it more convenient for us. You know, like those contact lenses that you can wear all day, all night while sleeping, and not change them for a month. Then just pop in a new pair and we’re off and running for another month. That way we don’t have to be bothered for 45 seconds each night to take them out! Nifty.

Or how about that crafty pill that allows women to get their periods only four times a year? Jeez, afterall it’s just not a “pleasant” thing to have monthly so if we can have it less than that, isn’t that a great thing?

Ayurveda (and I) would say, “Heck no! You are insulting nature!” Our bodies are given all its parts and functions for a reason. When we put synthetic materials into our bodies for a matter of convenience, we are suppressing (sometimes even reversing!) the natural urges and processes of the body. This is so damaging to our health because we not only go against nature, but we also introduce a foreign, synthetic substance to the system. This can shock the system, cause infections and even worse cause the body to rely soley on the substance until the body part stops functioning. Scary!!

For me, I have had hypothyroidism since I was a teen. I am on levothyroxin and I take a pill daily. I have not checked yet to see if I can still correct the problem naturally (yoga poses, herbs, etc.,) or if my body is completely reliant on the pill. Eventually my thyroid will say, “I have no job anymore, so I’ll just stop working.”

Now, I’m not saying don’t wear contacts or enjoy modern conveniences. I am trying to open our eyes to the understanding that just because something is new and more convenient does not necessarily mean it’s still healthy. We know this. Look at fast food. Lovely. On the flip side, how many times have we skipped a meal even though we were starving because we didn’t have time to stop and eat?

Let us start to be mindful of what might be “taking it too far” with modern conveniences. Our bodies deserver our time, our love and our honor. Substituting nature for a “quick fix” is a sure fire way to insult and cause more imbalances in the body. So as much as we can, let’s go with nature. Pluck out the contacts and maybe wear the glasses a day or two. And if you are blessed to have a period every month, then by golly let it be so – and be thankful.

Let’s take the time to nurture our body inside and out so we can remain little beings harmoniously in flux with nature.