Well, it's hot in Texas. There's no doubt about that. The people in both places are truly welcoming and friendly. And cows are important (in rather different ways, admittedly...). This spring, I immersed myself in the study of the local Texas medicinal herbs. While my training in Ayurveda gave me a beautifully comprehensive system to understand the effects of … Continue reading How Texas is like India
Category: Learning
Weaving A Life
May Day conjures up images of maypoles and children frolicking among sweet new spring flowers. Last week, I came upon the following scene at the American Botanical Council's annual Herb Day. I snapped this shot after the interweaving dance had progressed quite far, and the adults were having to bend down to weave under each other's … Continue reading Weaving A Life
The Business Sensibilities of the Goddess
A few months ago I enrolled in an online business mentoring program for yoga teachers designed around the many faces of the Divine Feminine. I had been looking for a "How to market your holistic health/yoga-like business" type of thing, something to inspire me and give me some tools - and as much as anything else, … Continue reading The Business Sensibilities of the Goddess
Pitta Perfection and Drive… and Some Alternatives
As an entrepreneur stepping back into the world of figuring out how to make an income, I have been spending a lot of time these days trying to accomplish, to create outlines and spreadsheets and sequential to-do lists, and to cross things off - my Pitta energy has been hard at work. I can feel this activity in … Continue reading Pitta Perfection and Drive… and Some Alternatives
Finding Solid Ground
It has been quite the season of transition. I am getting my feet nestled in the earth here in Austin, lining up my most important sources of nourishment for the winter ahead. It has been unsettling - to be expected while establishing a new home base. Add in a few unexpected curve balls life has … Continue reading Finding Solid Ground
A Word About “Being Good”
The other day, Lynn said to me, “Ivy, you’re so good, going to prayers every morning.” It had never occurred to me that going to prayers qualified me as “good.” I just love going. I love the promise in the dark dawn air as we gather in the lamplight; I love the sense of connection … Continue reading A Word About “Being Good”
The Jasmine
In the middle of the courtyard in our building is a young jasmine plant – and it isn’t looking too good. A week or so after we arrived, I noticed it was rather crispy. I worried about it. “Do you think we should water it?” I asked Lynn. “I don’t know,” she replied. “It definitely … Continue reading The Jasmine
Cultural Learning Styles
The day before classes began, Lynn, Ras and I reviewed some of the material we learned at the Institute, just to refresh our memories. We got into a discussion of how stressful the western academic system can be, based as it is on grades and competition and finding the right answer. In fact, pressure and … Continue reading Cultural Learning Styles
Dr. Ramdas
Our first week of class was incredibly affirming. We are now even more aware of what a remarkable gift it is to be at Vaidyagrama at this moment in time. We have landed in a community of authentic physician-teachers and heartfelt staff who are bringing to life an entirely unique vision. When construction is complete, … Continue reading Dr. Ramdas
Ivy Ingram, MA, AP 