Coming Back to Your Senses: An Ayurvedic Approach to Sensory Awareness
Dear Beloved One,
It’s easy to become disconnected from the deeper, more subtle aspects of ourselves. One of the most profound ways to reconnect to our true nature is through the senses. Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, teaches us that we are deeply interconnected with the world around us — and much of this connection happens through our senses. We are what we consume, not just through our food, but through everything we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. Our senses are our gateways to the world, and they play a pivotal role in shaping our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
In Ayurveda, it is said that indriyas (the senses) are the means through which we interact with our environment, and how we process and digest this information impacts our state of balance. To truly "come back to our senses" means to fully awaken and attune ourselves to the present moment — to slow down, to savor life, and to consciously choose what we allow through our senses. By nurturing and cleansing our senses, we restore harmony to our mind and body.
In this blog, we will explore each of the five senses from an Ayurvedic perspective, and how being mindful of what we allow ourselves to consume through these channels can support our overall well-being.
1. Sight: What We See and How It Affects Us
The eyes are often considered the windows to the soul, and in Ayurveda, the sense of sight is deeply connected to both our emotional and physical well-being. The eyes not only help us perceive the world but also influence our mental state. When we flood our vision with harsh, overstimulating, or negative images — whether from excessive screen time, distressing news, or harsh artificial lighting — it disrupts our inner peace and can agitate our mind, especially for those who tend toward Vata imbalances.
To come back to your senses through sight, Ayurveda recommends being mindful of what you choose to gaze upon. Surround yourself with beauty, serenity, and positive images. This could include spending time in nature, placing uplifting or calming images in your living space, or limiting exposure to media that feels jarring or negative. Consider practicing a simple eye exercise like palming or gently massaging the eye area to release tension and relax the eyes.
Practical Tip: Spend time daily in natural surroundings — even a few minutes in a park or by a tree can help you reconnect with the natural world. For those with a Vata constitution, it is especially grounding to connect with the earthy, stabilizing energy of trees and landscapes.
2. Sound: What We Hear and How It Shapes Our Mood
Sound has a profound impact on our emotional state. In Ayurveda, sound is considered an integral part of healing — through sacred vibrations (mantras), music, and the natural sounds of our environment. Disruptive sounds can disturb our peace of mind, while harmonious sounds help us feel grounded, uplifted, and centered.
When we listen to high-stress, chaotic, or dissonant sounds (such as constant noise pollution or negative media), it can lead to agitation in the mind and body, often aggravating Pitta or Vata. Conversely, soothing sounds like gentle music, nature sounds, or chanting can create a sense of calm and well-being.
To return to your senses through sound, consider incorporating healing sounds into your daily routine. This could mean listening to relaxing music, engaging in mantra chanting, or simply spending time in nature where you can hear the wind, birds, and rustling leaves. These sounds help to ground your energy and soothe the nervous system.
Practical Tip: Start your day with a few minutes of chanting, or simply listen to calming music or nature sounds. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, use sound as a tool to return to balance.
3. Taste: What We Consume and How It Nourishes Us
Taste is the most directly related to nourishment in Ayurveda. What we eat not only affects our physical body but also influences our mind and emotions. The six tastes in Ayurveda — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent — have distinct effects on our doshas, and consuming too much of one taste can create imbalances.
For example, sweet foods (think sugars and heavy dairy) may pacify Vata but increase Kapha and Pitta. Salty foods can be grounding for Vata but aggravating for Pitta. It is essential to eat in alignment with your constitution and current state of health to maintain balance.
Coming back to your senses through taste involves making conscious food choices and tuning in to how the food you consume makes you feel. Ayurveda encourages mindful eating, where you take time to savor each bite and truly enjoy your meal. Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and savoring the flavors not only aids digestion but also nurtures a deeper connection to your body’s needs.
Practical Tip: Try to eat in a calm and peaceful environment, free from distractions. Focus on the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food, and aim for balance in your meals. Include a variety of tastes to nourish your doshas, and avoid overeating.
4. Smell: The Power of Scent to Influence Our State of Being
In Ayurveda, the sense of smell is seen as directly connected to the Prana (life force) and our emotional state. Certain scents have the ability to uplift, relax, or balance us. For example, lavender and sandalwood are calming and grounding, while citrus and peppermint can invigorate and refresh.
The olfactory system is incredibly powerful — smells can trigger memories, emotions, and even physical responses. In the context of Ayurveda, we are advised to use aromas that align with our constitution. A person with a dominant Pitta dosha, for example, may benefit from cooling, calming scents like jasmine or rose, while a Vata type may prefer warm and grounding aromas like cinnamon or sandalwood.
To reconnect with your sense of smell, Ayurveda encourages the use of essential oils, incense, and floral waters. You can also create your own aromatherapy rituals to support specific needs in your body and mind.
Practical Tip: Create a ritual around scent. Whether through diffusing essential oils, applying anointing oils to pulse points, or simply inhaling the scent of flowers or herbs, take a moment to engage with the healing power of smell.
5. Touch: Grounding, Healing, and Connecting with Our Bodies
Touch is one of the most intimate and grounding senses. In Ayurveda, it’s closely tied to our physical well-being and our connection to the earth. The sense of touch can be incredibly healing, as it helps to stimulate circulation, relax the muscles, and calm the nervous system.
To come back to your senses through touch, Ayurveda encourages practices like Abhyanga (self-massage with warm oils), which not only nourishes the skin but also soothes the nervous system, especially for those with Vata imbalances. The act of massaging your body with warm oil helps to reconnect you with your physical form and encourages a sense of grounding and self-care.
Practical Tip: Take a few moments each day to practice Abhyanga or simply give yourself a gentle hand or foot massage. The warmth of the oil and the soothing touch will help balance your energy and deepen your connection to your body.
In Ayurveda, it is said that we "digest" not only our food but everything that we experience through our senses. Whether it’s the sights we behold, the sounds we hear, the food we consume, the scents we breathe, or the touch we experience, all of these impressions create a deep imprint on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
To "come back to our senses" is to return to a place of mindfulness, where we consciously choose what we allow to enter our experience. By engaging with our senses in a more intentional, aware way, we can restore balance to our doshas, nourish our minds, and cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves.
Take a moment each day to pause and attune to your senses. Whether it’s through a moment of quiet reflection, mindful eating, or a simple sensory ritual, remember that you are always in the process of digesting the world around you — so choose wisely, and allow your senses to lead you back to balance and harmony.
All of my love,
Mystic
Charleston, A New Thriving Wellness Haven
Charleston, A New Thriving Wellness Haven
Beloved One,
It feels good to return back home to charming Charleston with fresh eyes. When I first moved here back in 2010, I remember the city being more known as the mecca for partying and, of course, our beautiful beaches. With that said, the evolution of Charleston’s wellness community over the past seven years has been nothing short of remarkable. Before I left for Oregon, it felt like this town was just barely scratching the surface of what it meant to attend women’s or men’s circles, peruse a metaphysical shop, discuss the properties of crystals, lay down for a sound bath and chant kirtan but now there are more conscious events popping up each week. No longer does it feel like only a small pocket of folks are diving deeper into permaculture, herbalism, holistic living, energy work, meditation, diet and nutrition. This area of thought is now spreading to every island. In tandem with the shift towards holistic wellness, there’s been a noticeable difference in people’s priorities when it comes consuming alocohol to socialize. People are now starting to wake up and realize that drinking is not the most sustainable way to connect with others when it comes to our health. In search of more supportive and enriching activities, Charleston’s residents are increasingly opting for sober nights out, exploring dry bars, herbal shops, fishing, kayaking, foraging and participating in more wellness-focused events that promote personal growth, environmental awareness, spiritual expansion and connection.
Coming back to the roots of sustainable living and diving deeper into personal growth are the forefront of people’s conversations around town. It is so wonderful listening to everyone discuss the importance of embracing practices that nourish not just the body and mind, but also the spirit. But what exactly is driving this shift?
From underground yoga teachings like Kundalini Yoga now surfacing to the rise of local cannabis companies, alternative therapies, and holistic practitioners, Charleston now boasts a diverse array of healing modalities for their community. Shops like Peachy Keen, The Sanctuary, and Herbal Passion are thriving, offering everything from herbal remedies to meditation classes. And let’s not forget about The Wonderer, IVY Chiropractic, Selah’s Sanctuary, Platform, Charleston TM Center, High Rise, The Charleston Hemp Collective, Levity, and so many others who are leading the charge towards providing access to these conscious opportunities. These trailblazers are embracing practices like meditation, reiki, sound baths and clean ingredients, recognizing their profound impact on overall well-being.
In conclusion, Charleston’s wellness community stands as a shining example of the power of transformation and collective growth. As individuals prioritize their well-being and seek out holistic healing modalities, the city’s vibrant landscape continues to evolve, offering endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and personal evolution. As our city continues to flourish, it celebrates diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life on their journey to optimal health and happiness.
Your healing journey starts now. Whether you’re seeking emotional release, physical balance, or spiritual growth, I’m here to guide you with personalized yoga therapy, Ayurvedic coaching, and creative healing practices. Don’t wait to experience the transformation you deserve. Book your session today and begin your path to deeper wellness and inner peace.
With Love,
Mystic
What Does It Mean to Live Holistically? A Path to Wholeness
What Does It Mean to Live Holistically? A Path to Wholeness
What Does It Mean to Live Holistically? A Path to Wholeness
Beloved one,
In a world that often pulls us in many directions, where we are asked to compartmentalize our lives—work in one box, health in another, emotions tucked away somewhere else—the call to live holistically is a call to return to wholeness.
To be holistic is to recognize that everything is connected—our bodies, minds, emotions, relationships, food, the earth, the cosmos. There is no separation, only an intricate web of energy, each part influencing the whole. When we honor this interconnectedness, we find deeper healing, alignment, and a sense of coming home to ourselves.
Let us explore together what it means to live holistically and how we can weave this wisdom into every aspect of our lives.
Holistic Living: A Life in Harmony
To live holistically means to live in harmony with yourself, others, and the world around you. It means seeing your body not as a collection of separate parts, but as a beautifully interwoven system where physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and spiritual depth all dance together.
It is waking up and asking:
How do I nourish my body today?
How do I care for my emotions with love and gentleness?
How do I move my body in a way that honors its rhythm?
How do I deepen my connection to the earth, to the people in my life, to the divine?
Holistic living is about choosing wholeness in every small moment—in the food we eat, the way we breathe, the thoughts we think, the way we love.
Holistic Eating: Nourishing the Body & Soul
Food is not just fuel. It is energy, it is medicine, it is sacred. Every bite we take carries a vibration—it can heal, energize, and balance us, or it can deplete, inflame, and disconnect us.
To eat holistically is to:
Choose whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible—fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and herbs in their most natural forms.
Eat seasonally and locally, aligning with nature’s rhythm.
Bless your food and eat with presence, knowing that food is more than nutrients—it is life force.
Use herbs and spices as medicine, from ginger for digestion to turmeric for inflammation.
When we respect food as sacred, we are not just nourishing the body—we are nurturing the soul.
Holistic medicine does not ask, “What symptom do we need to suppress?” but rather, “What is the root cause of this imbalance?”
It understands that physical symptoms are often messages from deeper layers of our being. A headache may be more than just a headache—it could be stress, dehydration, poor digestion, or even emotional energy trapped in the body.
Holistic medicine includes:
Ayurveda – Balancing the body through diet, herbs, and daily routines that align with your unique constitution.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – Using acupuncture, herbs, and Qi energy flow to restore harmony.
Breathwork & Meditation – Tapping into the body’s innate ability to heal through the breath.
Energy Healing – Reiki, sound healing, and chakra balancing to realign our energetic field.
True healing happens when we look at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and address the deeper layers of imbalance.
To be holistic is not just about what we eat or how we heal—it is a way of moving through life with presence, love, and connection.
Here are ways to cultivate wholeness in your daily life:
Breathe with awareness – Every inhale is a gift. Breathe slowly, deeply, consciously. Let it anchor you to the present.
Honor your emotions – Feel them fully. Emotions are energy; when we acknowledge them, they move through us instead of becoming stuck.
Move with intention – Whether it’s yoga, walking, or dance, move in a way that brings joy and flow to your body.
Connect with nature – Put your feet on the earth, watch the sunrise, swim in the ocean. Nature recalibrates us back to our truest selves.
Nurture relationships that nourish you – Surround yourself with people who uplift, honor, and support your journey.
Live in rhythm with nature – Wake with the sun, rest when your body asks, honor the cycles of the moon, the seasons, and your own inner tides.
Trust your intuition – The body, the heart, the soul—they always know. Listen.
When we approach life this way, we become a living prayer, a walking meditation, a vessel of love and balance.
Holistic living is not about perfection—it is about connection. It is about choosing, in every moment, to honor your body, your soul, and the sacred web of life that holds us all.
You are not separate from nature.
You are not separate from the universe.
You are not separate from love.
You are the universe in motion. You are the breath of the divine. You are whole.
Come home to yourself, beloved one.
In each choice, in each breath, in each moment—choose wholeness.
Your healing journey starts now. Whether you’re seeking emotional release, physical balance, or spiritual growth, I’m here to guide you with personalized yoga therapy, Ayurvedic coaching, and creative healing practices. Don’t wait to experience the transformation you deserve. Book your session today and begin your path to deeper wellness and inner peace.
With love,
Mystic