Lean on Ayurveda

Ep 35 - Navigating Microplastic Pollution with Ayurveda

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447604/fan_mail/new] EPISODE 35 – NAVIGATING MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION WITH AYURVEDA What does Ayurveda have to say about living in a world filled with microplastics? In this episode of Lean on Ayurveda, I reflect on the Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox by Shanna Swan and explore the topic through the timeless lens of Ayurvedic wisdom. Rather than approaching this conversation through fear or panic, this episode is an invitation into grounded awareness, agency, and thoughtful action. We explore: * The Ayurvedic concept of Janapadodhwamsa — “destruction of communities due to a common cause” * How ancient Ayurvedic teachings can help us navigate modern environmental challenges * Why fear and anxiety are not supportive places from which to make decisions * The role of Agni (digestive fire) in resilience and detoxification * Seasonal cleansing and Rasayana (rejuvenative therapies) as tools for modern living * Home cooking, fresh foods, and reducing plastic exposure through daily rituals * My family’s gradual “plastic detox” process at home * Letting go of perfectionism and making sustainable changes without drama * Why pacing ourselves matters when making lifestyle changes This is not an episode about doom or perfection. Instead, I want to ask: “Who do I want to be in these circumstances?” Resources Mentioned: Documentary * The Plastic Detox (Netflix) Plastic Reduction Resources * Unplastic Your Life [https://www.unplasticyourlife.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] (contains links to great plastic-free product guides/resources for US, such as grove.co [https://www.grove.co/pages/unplastic-shop?partner=ops]) Shop plastic-free (non-sponsored) in EU: millimetres.be - candles & kitchenware (family run small business) linentales.com - organic bed & kitchen linen & clothing made in Europe from 100% washed linen. Dille-Kamille [https://www.dille-kamille.be/fr/] - plastic free kitchen ware Work With Me * Lean on Ayurveda Website [https://leanonayurveda.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Book a Consultation / Work With Me [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com] Stay Connected * Join My Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share] * Instagram – Lean on Ayurveda Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/ [https://leanonayurveda.com/] Subscribe to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share]: receive seasonal reflections, ayurvedic practices, recipes and free resources to bring balance into your daily life. Book a 1:1 ayurvedic consultation [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com]: learn how to use food, rhythm and ritual to support your unique constitution.  If this episode resonates, please share it and rate the podcast - it helps more people discover the art of ayurveda as a support system for modern living!

Ep 34 - Q&A: Real-Life Ayurveda, Ritual Burnout & Letting Go of Excessive Self-Sacrifice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447604/fan_mail/new] Episode 34: Q&A: Real-Life Ayurveda, Ritual Burnout & Letting Go of Excessive Self-Sacrifice In this Q&A episode, I’m answering some of your questions - from how to navigate “non-Ayurvedic” choices in real life, to avoiding burnout from daily rituals, to understanding the deeper pattern of self-sacrifice. I also take a moment to celebrate a milestone: 2,500+ downloads of the podcast. Thank you for being here and for listening, whether you tune in every week or drop in from time to time! In this episode, we explore: *  The “80/20” approach to Ayurveda * Why aiming for perfection can actually create imbalance (especially for Pitta) * How to build a strong, supportive foundation without rigidity * The role of pleasure (kāma) as a legitimate and necessary part of health * Why occasional “non-Ayurvedic” choices can support resilience  * Real-life examples of flexibility * Food choices in social settings (and how to stay out of anxiety) * Parenting and guiding habits without rigidity * Travel, unpredictability, and making the “best available” choice (even at fast food stops) * Avoiding Ayurvedic routine burnout * Why burnout often comes from over-prescription or over-ambition * The importance of capacity, joy, and personalisation * How to simplify your routine to core practices that truly matter * Reconnecting with meaning and creating a sense of relationship with your rituals * Moving beyond self-sacrifice * Understanding the dynamics of Karpman’s Drama Triangle * How the “rescuer” pattern leads to burnout, resentment, and disempowerment * Why self-sacrifice doesn’t actually serve you or others * Practical reflections to step out of chronic self-sacrifice  Key reflections from this episode * You don’t need to get Ayurveda “100% right” to benefit from it * A strong foundation matters more than perfect execution * Pleasure, flexibility, and adaptability are part of true balance * Fewer practices, done with intention, are more powerful than doing everything * Your wellbeing is not separate from how you show up for others Resources & references * LifeSpa Podcast by John Douillard * Karpman’s Drama Triangle Stay connected * ✉️ Join my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share](weekly reflections & practical Ayurveda) * 📸 Instagram: @lean_on_ayurveda * 📧 Email: hello@leanonayurveda.com Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/ [https://leanonayurveda.com/] Subscribe to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share]: receive seasonal reflections, ayurvedic practices, recipes and free resources to bring balance into your daily life. Book a 1:1 ayurvedic consultation [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com]: learn how to use food, rhythm and ritual to support your unique constitution.  If this episode resonates, please share it and rate the podcast - it helps more people discover the art of ayurveda as a support system for modern living!

Ep 33 - How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Ayurveda Sessions

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447604/fan_mail/new] Episode 33: How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Ayurveda Sessions How do you actually benefit from Ayurveda sessions—or any kind of coaching, mentoring, or guidance? In this episode, I explore what truly makes a difference in how much value you receive from this kind of work. Drawing from the classical Ayurvedic text Ashtanga Hridayam, I share the key qualities that make someone more receptive to healing, learning, and lasting change. We talk about what it means to be resourced (beyond just finances), why discomfort is often part of the process, and how trust in your practitioner can completely shift your experience. I also speak about the importance of having a beginner’s mind—and why the “basic” practices we tend to dismiss are often the ones that create the deepest transformation. This is an episode about how you show up—and how that shapes what you take away. Whether you’re working with Ayurveda, yoga, or any kind of personal support, this conversation will help you deepen your capacity to receive and integrate what’s offered. In this episode: * What “being resourced” really means in Ayurveda * Why discomfort can be necessary for change * The role of trust in a client–practitioner relationship * How “I already know this” can block transformation * Why repetition is essential for embodiment * The importance of communication in your healing process * How to recognize the value of subtle, intangible shifts Work with me: → Sign up to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share] → Book a 1:1 call [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com] Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/ [https://leanonayurveda.com/] Subscribe to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share]: receive seasonal reflections, ayurvedic practices, recipes and free resources to bring balance into your daily life. Book a 1:1 ayurvedic consultation [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com]: learn how to use food, rhythm and ritual to support your unique constitution.  If this episode resonates, please share it and rate the podcast - it helps more people discover the art of ayurveda as a support system for modern living!

Ep 32 - Learning to Love Movement: An Ayurvedic Approach to Balanced Exercise

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447604/fan_mail/new] What is the right kind of exercise for your body? In this episode, we explore movement through the lens of Ayurveda—and why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Drawing from classical Ayurvedic texts and personal experience, I guide you through a more nuanced way of approaching exercise: one that honours your constitution, your current state, the seasons, and the deeper intention behind your movement. Rather than following external rules or trends, this episode invites you to cultivate a relationship with your body that is rooted in discernment, compassion, and balance. 🌿 In This Episode, We Explore: * Why Ayurveda does not prescribe a single “ideal” exercise routine * The concept of half capacity and how to recognise your limit * Signs of over-exertion and its impact  * The risks of both depletion (too much) and stagnation (too little) movement * Understanding exercise through the lens of Agni (fire) and Soma (nectar) * How your lifestyle, constitution, season, and life stage influence your needs * The importance of replenishment and recovery after intense activity * A personal story of practicing Krav Maga as a dharmic (purposeful) form of movement * Why joy and intention matter more than performance or aesthetics * How to become a “good lover” to your body through your movement choices Ayurveda teaches that: > The right kind of movement is not determined by trends, but by who you are, where you are, and what your body needs in this moment.  A Question to Reflect On If you were a truly loving partner to your body… How would you choose to move? 🤍 Work With Me If you’re looking for personalised, grounded support in understanding your body and creating sustainable change: → Book a free 30-minute initial consultation HERE [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com] In this call, we explore your current challenges and see whether my 12-week 1:1 program Awaken Your Health is the right fit for you. 📩 Stay Connected The best way to stay in touch (especially while I’m on a social media break): → Subscribe to my newsletter HERE [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share] You’ll receive reflections, seasonal guidance, and practical Ayurvedic wisdom to support your everyday life. ⭐️ Enjoyed the Episode? If this episode resonated with you, I would be so grateful if you could: * Leave a rating or review * Share it with someone who might benefit * Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Your support helps this work reach more people 🌿 Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/ [https://leanonayurveda.com/] Subscribe to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share]: receive seasonal reflections, ayurvedic practices, recipes and free resources to bring balance into your daily life. Book a 1:1 ayurvedic consultation [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com]: learn how to use food, rhythm and ritual to support your unique constitution.  If this episode resonates, please share it and rate the podcast - it helps more people discover the art of ayurveda as a support system for modern living!

Ep 31 - Working with Ayurvedic Herbs for Spring Lymphatic Care: Tulsi, Dandelion & Manjistha

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447604/fan_mail/new] Spring is a powerful time of transition in Ayurveda—a moment when the body begins to release winter’s heaviness and reawaken its natural flow. In this episode of the Lean on Ayurveda Podcast, recorded on the auspicious beginning of Navaratri and a new lunar cycle, I explore how to support lymphatic health (rasa dhatu) through Ayurvedic herbs—while staying rooted in the understanding that lifestyle always comes first. You’ll be introduced to three herbs—tulsi, dandelion, and manjistha—each offering a unique pathway to support the body during kapha season, when stagnation, congestion, and heaviness can arise. Rather than approaching herbs as quick fixes, this episode invites you into a more intentional and relational way of working with plant medicine—as something to build a connection with, rather than simply consume. In This Episode You’ll Learn * Why spring is a key time for lymphatic support in Ayurveda * The role of rasa dhatu (lymphatic tissue) in overall nourishment * Why lifestyle practices come before herbs * How to approach herbs as relational, not transactional * The benefits and qualities of: * Tulsi (Holy Basil) * Dandelion * Manjistha * How color, taste, and seasonal foods support lymphatic flow * Why bitter greens and red-pigmented foods are especially beneficial in spring The 3 Herbs for Springtime Lymphatic Support 🌿 Tulsi (Holy Basil) A sacred, sattvic herb known for promoting clarity, harmony, and flow. * Supports the lungs and reduces excess mucus * Encourages circulation of prana (life force) * Gently stimulates digestion * Ideal for light spring congestion Simple use: tea with honey, or blended with mint for a fresh infusion 🌼 Dandelion A powerful local and accessible spring herb with cleansing properties. * Supports liver and lymphatic function * Helps clear heat, inflammation, and stagnation * Especially supportive for breast tissue congestion * Encourages resilience and adaptability Simple use: tea, pesto, or added to meals as fresh greens 🌺 Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) One of Ayurveda’s most renowned herbs for lymphatic movement and blood purification. * Supports both rasa dhatu (lymph) and rakta dhatu (blood) * Helps dissolve stagnation and clear inflammation * Traditionally used for skin, lymph, and reproductive health * Has adaptogenic qualities and deep cleansing action ⚠️ Best used with guidance, especially for dosage and duration. A Gentle Reminder Herbs are supportive—but not essential. Before reaching for herbal remedies, Ayurveda invites us to focus on: * Nourishing, seasonal food * Proper hydration * Daily movement * Touch therapies like massage or dry brushing * Supporting digestive fire (agni) These are the foundations Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/ [https://leanonayurveda.com/] Subscribe to my newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/650793/102362039987471864/share]: receive seasonal reflections, ayurvedic practices, recipes and free resources to bring balance into your daily life. Book a 1:1 ayurvedic consultation [https://leanonayurveda.setmore.com]: learn how to use food, rhythm and ritual to support your unique constitution.  If this episode resonates, please share it and rate the podcast - it helps more people discover the art of ayurveda as a support system for modern living!