The inward expression that blossoms into outward form offers endless roads of consideration, interrogation and ultimately change. As we continue our own journey through personal development and collective growth through our offerings at Maha Vidya we find the student experience to be the flame to our fire.

Ashley has grown from client to student to dear friend, family and much more over the past several years. We have witnessed the struggle, determination and patience on the path that has ultimately changed not only her own life but has influenced her own family and now she is stepping forward to share with YOU.

Over the next few months we are excited to share the keyboard and creative space with some of our thriving mentorship students as they hone in on the areas of personal and educational development that have been the greatest gifts in their own process. Some of them will be collaborating with us online, through courses and consultations.

If you're ready to take the first step, our students are offering a FREE 30 Minute Digestive Health Consultation. This is an opportunity for you to learn more, start a conversation, and tap into the wealth of knowledge from these flourishing individuals.

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From NYC to my Mountain Home: A Student’s Journey

Embracing Ayurvedic Home Cooking

It wasn't long ago that I used to eat out on the regular. Since childhood, dining out was often associated with celebrating. I considered it a go-to for birthdays or welcoming friends in town. I leaned in on it as a get-together go-to. In other words, discovering trendy NYC fare was my jam.

But the truth is: I didn't fare well. I had no idea that eating out all the time had any effect on me. My stomach hurt most of the time. I had IBS. I felt "meh" about food. Other complaints included: low energy, a lack of confidence, mild depression, and anxiety. And I could go on…

Knowing what I know now about healthy eating habits, it's no wonder I felt horrible! I had no idea what my body needed in terms of food. I also didn't know how to listen to my body and eat (or not eat) accordingly.

Something had to give

After years of feeling crappy, I was sick of it. I needed help, and my boyfriend's mom had a remedy. "Call Carlisle," she said, "she's an Ayurvedic Practitioner, and she can help you." I had no idea what an Ayurvedic Practitioner was, but I was willing to try it.

I procrastinated on the paperwork but eventually had my first appointment. Carlisle had me drinking warm lemon water in the morning — every morning. We built on that morning practice with Ayurvedic self-care and I felt much better.

Gradually, we added daily Yoga Asana and other practices to the mix. I felt positive and energized. But still, my digestion needed help. (After all, it had been dysfunctional for so long, and these things can take time.)

Learning Ayurvedic food secrets

As the pandemic began, I had just finished up the Principles of Health class and enrolled in a 500-hour Ayurvedic Program with Dr. Athale, an Ayurvedic Doctor based in India. Through in-depth study, I started to understand some things I was doing that made my digestion so funky. For example, I ate out regularly or ate more than my digestive capacity.

My partner Andy and I had just relocated to his mom's home in rural upstate New York (fleeing the pandemic in the city). We no longer had access to endless restaurants and DoorDash whenever we wanted. That's when I started cooking several meals a day at home.

Our new location gave us access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables. I also planted plenty of goodness in the backyard. So, we had homegrown food at our fingertips too. In the middle of farmland, just west of Vermont, preparing fresh, local food became my daily practice.

My OG go-to? Garlic Ginger Sauteed Greens [Stay tuned we have a recipe coming your way on the Maha Vidya Blog😜]

Cooking for health

Cooking consciously, day in and day out, was a revolution for me. With the kitchen as my counterpart and the 500 Hour Course information being so clear and poignant lectures as my guide, I began to understand how to cook for myself during each season and day. Meal by meal, I started to get my digestion on track. Now, years later, I am slowly, slowly getting stronger!

Cooking has become my love, my joy, and my center. I revel in the whole process. Going to the farmer's market in Kingston on Saturdays and picking out local, delicious produce fills me up. (We ended up in Woodstock, NY, in the Hudson Valley last year, by the way.)

I love chopping, mixing, boiling, washing—you name it. I enjoy watching the ingredients come together and feel inspired by the fact that it doesn't take much to make something delicious. I delight in experimenting and cooking with and for friends and family. But most of all, I am grateful to feel confident that I'm feeding myself precisely what I need. (BIG shout to my teachers for that!)

Taking Ayurvedic home cooking to your home

I'm honored to be able to share my Ayurvedic cooking journey and learnings with you. Here are some takeaways for cooking consciously in your home:

• Check-in with yourself. Do you need something warming or cooling? Heavy or light?
• Balance the elements with the opposite. Use your environment as a cooking springboard. Is it rainy, hot, or dry? Make meal choices to balance out the qualities.
• Ingredients that look exciting. Find simple ways to prepare them at home.
• Get inspired. Check out how other people are cooking consciously. Maha Vidya's recipe storehouse has some of my favorite recipes! Their String beans, Rhubarb Crisp, and Date Smoothies are my go-to during this time of year.
• Eat and see how you feel. Start connecting the dots for yourself and see how different foods make you feel.
• Follow healthy eating guidelines. I can't overemphasize the importance of not just cooking consciously, but eating consciously.
• Consider signing up for an educational program with Maha Vidya or contact me for a Free Digestive Health Session. That way we can share tips you can start right now!

In my kitchen right now

It's late Spring now, and the greens, snap peas, asparagus, and radishes are up. I'm discovering new ways to put together food to balance out the qualities of the wavering warm weather and the juiciness that comes with spring. I've been playing with: Spinach and Greens Tofu (like a Saag Paneer), "Cream" of Asparagus Soup, and Blanched Spring Vegetables with Buckwheat Soba Noodles smothered in Sunflower Seed Butter Sauce! I'll share some of these recipes soon, I promise. For now I would like to share with you one of my ayurvedic favorites, kitchari!

Full disclosure: I still eat out sometimes. (If you know me, you also know that I always opt for a home-cooked meal.) But restaurants happen sometimes. The difference is that I now understand the effect the food has on me. And that understanding makes all the difference.

Here's to happy cooking!

Follow Ashley Domers on @mindfulfulmungbean for more.

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Don't miss out on the wisdom Ashley and our other successful students are sharing online! Exciting updates, transformative courses, and enlightening student experiences are just around the corner. You're just a click away from a wealth of knowledge and support!

Are you struggling with digestive health issues? Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? Our team of advisors is here to guide you through the principles of Ayurveda to find the answers you've been searching for.

And the best part? We're offering a FREE Digestive Health Consultation. This is your chance to learn firsthand how our team can support you on your journey to improved health.

There's no better time than now to take control of your wellbeing. So why wait? Click to sign up for your free consultation, and let's start this journey together. Your future self will thank you!

Stay healthy friends!

All LOVE.

Carlisle and Zaplin

www.mahavidyaayurveda.com

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ALL LOVE.

Carlisle and Zaplin

www.mahavidyaayurveda.com