After a rejuvenating retreat in Nattika, India, I returned home with renewed vitality and wellness. Taking time to care for myself at a wellness retreat certainly contributed to this inner glow. However, the real challenge was integrating the Ayurvedic principles I learned into my daily routine back home, amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Despite the difficulties, I found a way to achieve this integration.
Ayurveda, a science rooted in discipline, yields the best results when its principles are strictly followed. However, it is possible to incorporate Ayurvedic practices into daily life without immersing myself completely in a retreat. Dr. Saroj Barthwal, an Ayurvedic practitioner from Jaipur, India and spa director at The Palms and The Shore Club in Turks & Caicos, advocates this flexible approach: “While ancient Ayurvedic texts emphasize strict discipline, modern interpretations allow for more flexibility. The key is to be aware and choose the method that works best for you,” Dr. Barthwal explains.
One of the most important changes I made was establishing a consistent routine. Initially, as a freelancer who traveled frequently to write my first book, my life lacked structure. I often let my days drift by without a plan. This approach, while exciting at first, eventually left me feeling disoriented. My experience at Nattika highlighted the calm and balance that comes from following a “Dinacharya,” a traditional Ayurvedic daily routine.
Following this routine, I now start my mornings with breathing exercises and a cup of warm coriander water to aid digestion. I end my evenings with a gentle self-massage before taking a shower. While I may not have the luxury of enjoying a morning herbal bath on the shores of the Arabian Sea or listening to Vijay’s soothing voice, these practices still bring a sense of calm and well-being to my life.
By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices, I have found a way to maintain the benefits of the retreat in my daily life without having to fly long distances. Taking a flexible approach to Ayurveda allows me to maintain the peace and vitality I experienced at Nattika, enriching my daily life with its timeless wisdom.