If you haven't heard already, I've had to move my website to a new platform which means I have to start my blog there anew. It saddens me, of course, because I have loved writing this blog so much. Almost 20 years of my life went into it. I kind of can't believe I have to walk away... 

It's my hope though, with time, I'll eventually bring all these beautiful posts over to my new blog. Until then, if you're here now, I do hope you follow me over there. And, if you have ever found any joy in any particular blog, please let me know.

​Sending you love, affection and grace from afar. Keep in touch xoxo ~Ashley

The ancient yogi Patanjali laid out a path to higher consciousness, emphasizing self-discipline, study, and devotion. Echoing this sentiment, Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, in "Mother's Breath," highlights the transformative power within women, particularly through their breath. She beautifully whispers: "The breath is a unique tool for transformation. It reveals our emotional state and offers the means to transform it into serenity." This begs the question: how can we tap into this power to cultivate calm and peace in our own lives?

ENTER PRANAYAMA, the yogic art of breath control. Just like the rose silently speaks through its fragrance, our breath can become a language of inner harmony, radiating outward positivity. Pranayama practices offer a potent blend of self-discipline through focused awareness, self-study through exploration of different techniques, and a subtle form of devotion as we surrender to the rhythm of our breath.

Here's how pranayama can help you blossom:

1. Cultivating Inner Peace:

• Calming Techniques: Practices like Nadi Shodhana, Dirga (three-part) breathing and  Ujjayi  (victorious) breathing lengthen and smoothen your breath, calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
• Stillness Within: By observing your breath without judgment, you cultivate mindfulness, fostering a sense of inner peace and stillness.

2. Releasing Stress and Tension:

• Controlled Release: Kapalbhati (skull-shining) breath involves forceful exhalations, releasing pent-up energy and clearing the mind.
• Deep Cleansing: Pranayama techniques like Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) encourage detoxification, releasing physical and emotional blockages that contribute to stress.

3. Unveiling Your Inner Rose:

• Fragrance of Self-Expression: As you refine your pranayama practice, your breath becomes a tool for self-exploration, allowing you to discover your authentic self and radiate it outwards with confidence.
• Blooming with Compassion: By connecting with your inner peace through pranayama, you cultivate a more compassionate approach to yourself and the world around you.

Remember, finding calm and peace is a journey, not a destination. Start by incorporating short, simple pranayama practices into your daily routine. With dedication and gentle exploration, you'll discover the transformative power of your breath, allowing you to blossom like the rose, silently speaking through the language of peace and harmony.

Calling all curious and playful minds aged 3-5! Join me on Wednesdays for a magical yoga adventure inspired by the Woodentots Montessori philosophy.
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What awaits your little yogi:

• Fun & Engaging: Through playful poses, imaginative storytelling, and animal yoga adventures, your child will explore their body, build confidence, and discover the calming joy of yoga.
• Focusing on the Whole Child: I'll help your little one improve focus, strengthen social connections, and develop inner peace, all while unwinding from their busy day and preparing for a restful sleep.
• Personalized Attention: With a class size limited to 10 students, your child will receive the care and attention they deserve.

The magic doesn't stop there!

• Yoga & Mindfulness Companion: Every new yogi receives a special yoga logbook to track their journey.
• Special Launch Discount: Get 5% - 15% off class packages (4, 8, or 12 sessions).
• First 5 Families Bonus: Book early and receive the "My Well-being Journey" book for FREE! (more info below)

Ready to embark on this exciting adventure?

• When: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 PM
• Where: Upstairs @ the Thanet
• Investment: £15 per session (packages available)
• Class Size: 10 students

Don't miss out on this opportunity to nurture your child's well-being through the transformative power of yoga!
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P.S. Share this post with your fellow mamas and papas so their little ones can join the fun!

The Lavender & Chamomile Serenity Tea is a comforting blend designed to soothe Vata imbalance and restore balance, especially during the winter season.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender
• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 cup hot water

​How to Prepare:

1. Boil the water and pour it into a teapot or cup.
2. Add the dried lavender and chamomile. Allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in honey to balance Vata's cold and dry tendencies.

Benefits: 
​Here's a closer look at the advantages of this calming infusion:

1. Lavender: Lavender is renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. In Ayurveda, it's appreciated for its ability to counter Vata's tendencies towards restlessness, anxiety, and an overactive mind. During the winter, when the cold and dry elements can exacerbate Vata imbalances, lavender provides a sense of warmth and emotional serenity. It helps to quiet the mind, ease stress, and improve sleep, making it an ideal choice for the winter months.
2. Chamomile: Chamomile, with its gentle and mild flavor, complements the calming nature of lavender. It possesses natural sedative properties and is known to promote relaxation. Chamomile can alleviate Vata-related issues like insomnia, digestive discomfort, and overall restlessness. It brings a sense of tranquility and eases tension during the colder season, making it a perfect choice for balancing Vata.
3. Honey: The addition of honey not only enhances the flavor but also helps balance Vata's cold and dry tendencies. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the tea, making it more soothing and nourishing for those with Vata imbalances.

​Overall Effect: The Lavender & Chamomile Serenity Tea is like a gentle embrace for your senses. It envelops you in a cocoon of calmness, providing relief from Vata-related restlessness, anxiety, and dryness that often intensify during the winter. As you sip this tea, you may find a newfound sense of tranquility and inner stillness, perfect for cherishing the serenity of the season. 🌼❄️✨

The Rose & Hibiscus Cooling Tea is a harmonious blend designed to alleviate the fiery intensity of Pitta imbalance, especially as it flares during the winter season. 
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Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
• 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus flowers
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
• 1 cup hot water

How to Prepare:

1. Boil the water and pour it into a teapot or cup.
2. Add the dried rose petals and hibiscus flowers. Allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with coconut sugar to add a touch of natural sweetness.

Benefits: 
Here's a closer look at the advantages of this soothing infusion:

1. Rose Petals: In Ayurveda, rose petals are celebrated for their cooling and calming properties. They have a gentle, pacifying effect on the heat and intensity associated with Pitta dosha. Rose petals can help soothe irritations, inflammation, and promote emotional balance. During the winter months, this cooling quality can help counterbalance the potential for overheating or excessive intensity.
2. Hibiscus Flowers: Hibiscus flowers contribute to the tea's delightful and refreshing tartness. Their cooling nature assists in reducing excess heat within the body. Hibiscus is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can support immune health during the colder season. This makes it an ideal choice for balancing the intensity that Pitta may experience during winter.
3. Coconut Sugar: The addition of coconut sugar introduces a touch of natural sweetness to the tea. Unlike other forms of sugar, coconut sugar is lower on the glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. It offers a gentle sweetness without aggravating Pitta's tendencies, making the tea more enjoyable and suitable for Pitta individuals.

Overall Effect: The Rose & Hibiscus Cooling Tea is like a gentle balm for your inner fires, allowing you to embrace the serenity and calmness of the winter season. As you savor this tea, you may notice a decrease in the heightened intensity, irritability, or inflammation that can accompany Pitta imbalance, especially in winter. The tea's refreshing flavor and cooling properties can help you stay balanced and comfortable throughout the season. 🌹❄️🔥

The Ginger & Lemon Revitalizing Tea is a powerhouse blend specifically designed to combat Kapha imbalance during the winter months. 
​
Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger slices
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 cup hot water

How to Prepare:

1. Boil the water and pour it into a teapot or cup.
2. Add fresh ginger slices and allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir in raw honey for a warming touch.

Benefits:
Here's how its ingredients work harmoniously to bring warmth and vitality to your being:
​

1. Ginger: Fresh ginger is renowned in Ayurveda for its fiery nature. It holds the power to kindle your inner agni (digestive fire), which may be weakened during the cold and damp Kapha season. As ginger invigorates digestion, it helps to prevent the accumulation of excess mucus and sluggishness often associated with Kapha imbalance. This revitalizing effect can improve overall energy levels and reduce feelings of lethargy.
2. Lemon: Lemon adds a touch of acidity and a burst of freshness to the tea. Its sour taste and high vitamin C content can help balance the sweetness and heaviness of Kapha. Lemon also aids digestion and detoxification, promoting clarity and lightness. This can be particularly beneficial during the Kapha-predominant winter season when you might otherwise feel sluggish.
3. Raw Honey: Raw honey, when used in moderation, offers a natural sweetness and soothing element to the tea. In Ayurveda, honey is believed to enhance the effectiveness of the herbs and spices it's paired with. It's a source of natural energy, helping to counter the inertia sometimes associated with Kapha excess.

​Overall Effect: The Ginger & Lemon Revitalizing Tea is not just a warm and comforting beverage; it's a dynamic elixir that can ignite the inner warmth your body craves during the Kapha season. This blend is well-suited to awakening your senses, promoting mental clarity, and preventing the stagnation of energy or the accumulation of excess moisture. As you sip this tea, you may find yourself rejuvenated, revitalized, and ready to embrace the invigorating qualities of the winter season. 🍋🔥❄️

As the world bundles up against the winter frost, it's essential to remember that herbal teas can be a soothing gift for children as well. These gentle infusions can help young ones relax before bedtime and find comfort on colder days. Opt for a mild and caffeine-free tea with ingredients like chamomile, rose petals, or fennel seeds, lightly sweetened with a touch of honey. Supervised consumption of herbal teas can help kids establish a connection to nourishing, holistic practices that promote their well-being.

Ready to embark on your journey of Ayurvedic herbal teas? You can find the high-quality ingredients for these delightful infusions at the following UK and USA websites. Whether it's fragrant lavender, calming chamomile, vibrant roses, or the zest of ginger and lemon, sourcing these ingredients is a step toward embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda.

UK

• Polly's Petals
• Whole Food Earth
  

USA

• ​Banyan Botanicals

Head over to your preferred website to explore a range of authentic Ayurvedic herbs and spices that will elevate your tea experience. Make your winter evenings cozy and nourishing with these carefully selected ingredients! Let me know how it goes! Comment here or on my insta! Happy brewing!

As the leaves fall and the days grow cooler, our bodies naturally crave warmth and nourishment. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by preparing a wholesome and balanced meal that not only delights the taste buds but also nurtures the body and soul?

​In this blog post, we'll explore the Ayurvedic wisdom behind a comforting dish – Pumpkin Soup. We'll delve into the ingredients' healing properties, the doshas it pacifies, and how it aligns with yoga principles of wellness. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a journey of culinary and holistic delight! And, if you're eager to dive right into this nourishing experience, don't forget to check out the Ayurvedic Pumpkin Soup recipe card below which you can download for ease of use later!

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, our constitution is defined by three primary energies, or doshas: Pitta, Vata, and Kapha. Each dosha represents a unique combination of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and plays a significant role in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
​

• Pitta: Dominated by the elements of fire and water, Pitta represents the energy of transformation. It governs digestion, metabolism, and the body's ability to assimilate information. Pitta types tend to have fiery personalities, sharp intellects, and can be prone to overheating physically and emotionally.
• Vata: Governed by the elements of air and ether, Vata is the force of movement. It controls bodily functions like circulation, breathing, and the nervous system. Vata types are often creative, adaptable, and energetic but may experience imbalances related to anxiety and restlessness.
• Kapha: Rooted in earth and water elements, Kapha provides stability and structure. It governs growth, immunity, and emotional well-being. Kapha individuals are typically calm, nurturing, and steady but may struggle with issues like lethargy and excess weight.

​
​Understanding your dominant dosha can offer valuable insights into your physical and emotional tendencies. Ayurveda aims to balance these doshas to promote health and harmony. To learn more, consider reading the following blogs from The Kriya Yoga Blog Archives:
​

• Yoga & Ayurveda: A Complete System of Well-Being
• The Need for Healing: Ayurveda's Timeless Wisdom for Wellness 

For personalized dosha assessments and guidance tailored to your unique constitution, please feel free to reach out to me, I would be happy to guide you.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, views food as a powerful tool for promoting balance and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of choosing ingredients and cooking methods that align with our unique constitution or dosha. Pumpkin, a staple of autumn, offers numerous health benefits that resonate with Ayurvedic principles.

Pumpkin: The Star of the Season: Pumpkin is a revered ingredient in Ayurveda, known for its ability to soothe both Vata and Pitta doshas. Its sweet and slightly astringent taste helps pacify Vata's cold and dry qualities, making it an ideal choice for the autumn season. Additionally, pumpkin's cooling nature balances the heat of Pitta, making it a versatile ingredient for various body types.

Spices: The Key to Balance: Ayurvedic Pumpkin Soup wouldn't be complete without a harmonious blend of spices. Ingredients like ginger, cumin, and coriander not only enhance flavor but also offer therapeutic benefits. Ginger aids digestion and kindles Agni (digestive fire), while cumin and coriander help balance the doshas.
​
Cooking Method Matters: In Ayurveda, how you prepare your food matters as much as the ingredients themselves. Cooking the soup slowly and mindfully infuses it with the qualities of warmth and comfort. This aligns with the yogic principle of mindfulness, encouraging us to be present and intentional in our actions, even in the kitchen.

 🍂🧡 Embrace the flavors of fall with our nourishing Ayurvedic Pumpkin Soup recipe. It's not just delicious; it's a celebration of balance and well-being. 🥣✨

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of diced pumpkin
• 1/2 cup of red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp of ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp of ground turmeric
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil
• 4 cups of water or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the asafoetida, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the diced pumpkin and red lentils. Stir to coat them with the spices.
4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin and lentils are soft and cooked through.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also transfer it to a blender, but be careful when blending hot liquids.
7. Return the soup to the pot and warm it through. If it's too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with cilantro leaves.​

As you savor each spoonful of Ayurvedic Pumpkin Soup, savor the wisdom of Ayurveda and yoga that underscores its creation. This delicious bowl of comfort not only nourishes your body but also aligns with the changing seasons, promoting balance and wellness. Embrace this ancient wisdom, and let your culinary journey become a holistic one, nurturing not just your body but your soul as well. So, bring warmth and wellness to your table this fall with Ayurvedic Pumpkin Soup, and savor the joys of mindful eating.

If you're interested in exploring Ayurvedic cooking and its harmony with yoga further, stay tuned for updates on our upcoming courses and workshops. In the meantime, enjoy the flavors of the season and let your journey to wellness begin in your kitchen.

Dear readers, if you've found value in this article, I invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below; your insights could make a difference in someone else's journey. 

Additionally, if you appreciate my efforts to provide an ad-free reading experience, please consider making a donation. Your generosity enables me to continue creating quality content that enriches lives.

Your support doesn't just help me; it fosters a community committed to growth, forgiveness, and loving-kindness. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

​With Gratitude,
​~ Ashley

In the gentle embrace of September's embrace, an auspicious day dawns, a day where the heavens themselves seem to dance in celebration. It is the 19th of September, a date that holds profound significance for millions across the world.

On this day, hearts and homes are adorned with vibrant colors, echoing with the sweet sounds of devotion and joy. It is Ganesh Chaturthi, the grand festival that ushers in the presence of Lord Ganesha, the beloved Elephant-headed God.
Lord Ganesha, the harbinger of auspicious beginnings, the remover of obstacles, the patron of intellect and wisdom, graces us with his divine presence. His form is a testament to the extraordinary union of strength and serenity, power and peace, all encapsulated within his endearing visage.

The heart of this celebration lies in the recitation of the Ganesha mantra, a sacred chant that resonates with the very essence of this benevolent deity. Each syllable of this mantra reverberates like a divine melody, carrying with it the promise of transformation and illumination.

"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha."

As we gently unravel the layers of this mantra, its profound meaning begins to reveal itself. "Om," the primordial sound, the sacred vibration that underlies all of creation, aligns us with the universal energy. "Gam," the seed of realization, invokes the Lord's grace, inviting him into our lives. "Ganapataye," the address to Lord Ganesha, the one who governs our journey, guiding us through the labyrinth of existence. "Namaha," the humble surrender, the recognition of our limitations, and the willingness to let go.

Together, these syllables form a harmonious tapestry of devotion and affirmation. They acknowledge the challenges that life presents and invoke the wisdom and strength to overcome them. In the rhythmic repetition of the Ganesha mantra, one finds solace, clarity, and an unwavering connection with the divine.

As the vibrant idols of Lord Ganesha are lovingly immersed in the waters, we release our own burdens, surrendering them to the infinite wisdom of the universe. And in this act of surrender, we find liberation, a newfound sense of purpose, and an unwavering belief that with Lord Ganesha by our side, all obstacles can be overcome.

So, on this sacred day, as the fragrance of incense wafts through the air, and the echoes of devotional songs fill the hearts, let us embrace the power of the Ganesha mantra. Let us invite Lord Ganesha into our lives, not merely as a deity but as a guiding force, a source of strength, and a harbinger of new beginnings. In the gentle cadence of the mantra, we discover the extraordinary power to transform our lives, to move past obstacles, and to embark on a journey of grace and wisdom.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a celebration of faith, a festival of beginnings, and a testament to the enduring power of devotion. May Lord Ganesha's blessings illuminate your path, removing obstacles, and filling your life with joy, abundance, and boundless love.