Fitness World & Nectar Yoga
As we move into the Ayurvedic season of Pitta, it’s important to consider how we can stay balanced during the heat of summer and protect our energy. One way to do this is by practicing Brahmacharya, one of the five Yamas of Yoga. Brahmacharya is often translated as celibacy or sexual restraint, but it also encompasses the proper use of energy in all areas of our lives.
In Ayurveda, Brahmacharya is seen as a way to conserve our vital life force, or “prana,” which is essential for physical, mental, and spiritual health. By preserving our energy, we can live a more balanced and fulfilling life, free from anxiety, stress, and burnout.
The word “Brahmacharya” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Brahma,” meaning the absolute or divine, and “charya,” meaning behaviour or conduct. Therefore, Brahmacharya is often interpreted as the “right use of energy.”
Practicing Brahmacharya involves cultivating self-discipline, self-control, and mindfulness. This includes our relationships, work, hobbies, and daily habits. It involves being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions and making choices that align with our highest purpose.
During the Ayurveda season of Pitta, practicing Brahmacharya can be particularly beneficial. The season’s heat and intensity can lead to agitation, irritability, and burnout if we don’t take steps to protect our energy. By practicing Brahmacharya and incorporating daily rituals that help us stay balanced, we can conserve our energy and direct it toward our highest purpose.
One way to practice Brahmacharya during the Pitta season is to incorporate daily rituals that help us stay balanced. Here are a few ideas:
- Wake up early: Ayurveda recommends waking up before sunrise to align with the natural rhythms of the universe. This helps us feel more energized and focused throughout the day.
- Practice Yoga: Yoga is a great way to move our bodies and calm our minds. During the Pitta season, it’s best to practice gentle, cooling poses like forward folds, seated twists, and gentle backbends.
- Meditate: Meditation is a powerful tool for conserving energy and calming our minds. You can start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable.
- Eat cooling foods: During the Pitta season, it’s essential to eat cooling and hydrating foods. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, coconut water, and herbal teas.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water helps us stay hydrated and cool during the heat of summer.
By incorporating these daily rituals into our lives, we can practice Brahmacharya and protect our energy during the Pitta season. When we conserve our energy and direct it towards our highest purpose, we can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Looking for some in-person guidance on where to start incorporating these practices? Book your 2-Night Nectar Yoga Experience package here and spend some time slowing down with us in nature.
Nectar Yoga Retreat is a healing space that sits on 20 acres of forested land on Bowen Island, just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Their modern, Scandinavian-inspired cottages provide space to rest and recharge among the trees, experience daily mediation and yoga classes, and nourish with vegetarian breakfasts. Learn more about Nectar Yoga here.
Sources Cited:
Acknowledgment and thanks to the contributing writers for the resources of this publication; Segal Shah via The Art of Living, Rolf Sovik via Yoga International and Esther Ekhart of Ekhart Yoga
