Abbey Leigh MAS

Today I am 42 yrs old and 13 weeks pregnant 🧡

In Ayurveda we say it’s the small health routines we do each day that determine our greater health. This was true when I was battling chronic Lyme’s disease for years and it was so true going through my fertility journey.

I am holding light for those of your on your fertility path. Some days I felt like a warrior and other days I felt totally defeated. Lean into both and know there is a greater community holding you 🕯️

Yikes! My husband took this photo awhile back when I was completely over worked, over stressed, and overwhelmed in life.

Lol. I laugh because as an Ayurvedic Doctor I should know better, right? And I DO! But as humans do, I started listening to the ego more and ignoring my intuition and body completely. In this moment my Pitta (my fire) got the best of me. I remember in that exact moment when my back was killing me, saying to myself… if I finish this last email, then i will… ego ego ego, blah blah blah

In Ayurveda, this is called Prajñāparādha - an offense against wisdom, or a failure of the intellect. It is considered ONE OF THE ROOTS OF ALL DISEASES.

This photo is a perfect reference for Prajñāparādha. I did not listen to my soul, nor my body which was telling me to rest and heal. Instead I forged ahead with work and deadlines.

The woman in this photo has become a great teacher for me.

She is now an engrained image for me to remember to put myself first, to truly slow down and to sweetly listen to my body. And that I am not perfect, I am human. Which means I have the opportunity to change.

To all you Pittas out there… In the slowing down is where your greatest expansion will be.
Less is more.

Is your soul asking something of you? Are you listening?

I am the daughter
of a daughter.
Who is the daughter
of a daughter.
Who is also the daughter
of a daughter.
Some of us are mothers
but all of us are daughters,
all birthed through lines
that weave back to
that First Mother.
All connected from
the very beginning.
All connected in the now.
Mothers,
Daughters,
Grandmothers,
Great Grandmothers,
Great Great Grandmothers.
All daughters born from
One. Original. Egg.
from
One. Original. Woman.
So why the separation?
Why the animosity toward each other?
Why the arguing and fighting,
back-stabbing and lack of support?
The next time you see another woman,
look in her eyes and see the
Ancestral Lines – the lines of women –
that lead back to you.
Where are we going Mother?
And how will we get there Sister?
By staying connected Daughter
and allowing for difference.
For we are each one,
after all,
all Daughters
of Daughters
of Daughters
of our
One Mother.

- Arlene Bailey,
The Daughter Line (2020)

[Image: La Femme (1899) by Italian painter Giacomo Grosso (1860-1938).]

Poetry, Tea and Me

Sent to me and the most auspicious time by my dear friend Renske .serena.azores

Lately, My eyes and soul need a retreat away from the computer.

Last week I convinced myself and my husband that I was allergic to the computer and almost chucked it out the window :) 

But at last here I am, typing away.

Luckily I live on a lush, pranic filled Azorean island that absorbs all my technology histamines as soon as I step outside. Instantly I am surrounding by sweet smelling tropical flowers, waterfalls that wash away my stress, and expansive views of Mama Atlantic herself.

I am thrilled to be announcing a Retreat in the Azores with Vedic Transformational Leader, ! Rene has guided me and countless others through this bizarre journey of life for years. And now I get to share her with all of you ❣️  With her multiple decades of yogic studies and wisdom, I am honored to be teaching Ayurveda alongside her.

Need to rejuvenate your senses?

Imagine waking up in a 500 year old Monastery. Climbing out of bed in reverent silence. Slip down to the sacred geometric courtyard to begin your Sadhana. Chant with the spirit of all the spiritual teachers that have walked the land before us. Follow this experience with a nourishing locally grown, vegan meal made with love... and this is just the first hour of your day~

Some more features to feast your soul on:
Hiking and picnic at the beautiful island volcano Sete Cidade, with stunning Mosteiros beach break views and a visit to Ferarria natural ocean hot springs
Waterfall hikes
Fire ceremony
Healing sound bath
And so much more…
I mean ... we are have created the retreat that we want to go on!
We are making this a limited space event to keep the group intimate.

For more details DM me “ RETREAT”

It would be awesome if you could come.

On April 6, 2024 Isha Rathi & Aarushi Mavi published a study on the effectiveness of Ayurveda intervention in the management of fertility. This study concluded that “Ayurvedic management provides a promising, cost- effective avenue for enhancing the success rates of IVF, especially after previous unsuccessful attempts.” 14 studies/ 248 patients have all agreed 🙌.

In the Northern Hemisphere July/August is the dead heat of summer. People are outside, kids are playing in the grass, and the sun is at its brightest. This is the time to wear lighter clothing, get into water, and play!

In Ayurveda, we are in the Pitta season.

Pitta is made up of two elements, mainly fire with a little water. Pitta season increases the qualities of hot, sharp, light and mobile in both the mind and body. I can definitely feel it in the Minnesota summers with temperatures of 90+ degrees Fahrenheit with 80% humidity. When I step outside I instantly sweat and get irritated. These symptoms are an indicator that my Pitta has elevated.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep Pitta balanced in the Pitta Season:

EAT FOR THE PITTA SEASON
Like increases like. Therefore we do not want to add anymore heat to our foods when the weather is at its hottest. Avoid hot, spicy, and salty foods.

AVOID THE SUN FROM 10am-3pm
sun is at it’s highest and the ultraviolet rays are at it’s strongest

MOON BATHING
20-30mins lay flat on the earth under the moonlight and breathe in the coolness of her light

For more tips for the Pitta Season check out Dr. Leigh’s blog at:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/07/the-pitta-season-summer-into-early-fall/

Photo by

Pratyahara is a practice that takes time to unfold. Even over decades it is still unravelling it’s magic for me. Recently, I had a week to fully practice detaching from stimulation (electronics, TV, computer, phone, social engagements, work etc). During this time I witnessed many mixed emotions arise and fall as I slowly withdrew my senses from the world.

Through our five senses (smell, sight, touch, hearing, & taste) we create our reality. If we take even just one sense away our reality, that we know as true, completely changes. All day long our senses are reaching outward to gather information so that our brain can interpret and make sense of the outer world. When we practice Pratyahara- sense withdrawal- it is a way of checking in with our reality, what is really true and what is from overburdened stimulation of the senses. Moreover, its a way to calm the mind, feel the stillness inside, and, ultimately, have mastery over your senses.

HOW TO PRACTICE

-Mauna: Observe silence

-Practice mindfulness

-Avoid gossiping

-Practice Fasting

-Unplug from social media

For more insight on Pratyahara and practices and check out Dr. Leigh’s blog at:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/06/pratyahara-sense-withdrawal/

As I sit here and watch the new green buds on the tips of the tree limbs unfurl, I appreciate new life that comes each year. It reminds me to become lighter, shed layers, declutter my environment and start anew. The Spring season always beckons the mantra: Let new life in.

In the West we have the typical 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Ayurveda takes a different approach and divides the year according to the most prevalent dosha during each period which make 3 seasons: Kapha season (late winter to spring), Pitta season (summer to early fall), and Vata Season (fall into early winter).

Here are a few helpful tips for the Kapha Season:

*Wake up by or before 6 a.m.

*Move your body- exercise/ solar yoga asana

*Dry-brush/ Garshana practice every morning

*Increase the pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes

*Eat light/eat seasonally

*To ward of spring allergies: tongue scraper, neti pot, nasya oil, and Nettles tea

For more information and kapha season tips check out Dr. Leigh’s blog at:
https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/04/spring-time-the-kapha-season/

Next newsletter is dropping next week! Sign up at abbeyleigh.com

Spring is in full throttle and so is our internal spring. Learn how to reboot, declutter and cleanse the winter season away. Welcome to Kapha time of the year!

Traveling is in my blood. Since the age of 17 I have been traveling the world for pleasure. And in this most recent year, I have been traveling for a lifestyle. With that said I have become somewhat of an expert on keeping balanced while being in airports, changing time zones, and eating new foods (aka bacteria).Factor in speed, the dehydrating nature of flying in an airplane, and adjusting to all other changes associated with travel, we begin to recognize how important it is to be mind full of our bodily response.

For All Doshas:
***Stay Hydrated***
Drink lots of plain water (more than usual). While traveling, take your weight, divide it by 1/2 then add 16 more oz. This is the minimum daily amount suggested. Express coffee shops are in every airport. Order a large hot water (usually free of charge) and drink throughout the flight.
***Decrease Jet Lag***
When you reach your destination, go outside and let the sun soak your skin for 20 minutes (10mins one side, 10mins the other). Sunbathing resets your body clock to local. Resisting the urge to nap; it prolongs jet lag. I suggest using Banyan Botanicals, ‘I Travel Well’ tincture.
***Put Your Feet in the Ground***
Putting your bare hands & feet on the earth synchs your circadian rhythms to the earth’s circadian rhythms.
***Massage Your Body at Bedtime***
Massage your body, including the scalp and soles of the feet, with comfortably warm sesame oil or recommended oil for your dosa.
***Have Transition Time***
Have time before travel and after travel to land and reset into your daily life. 1 day before and 2-3 days after is ideal. This allows integration of the trip and easeful space into your everyday activities.
***Meditation and Yoga Practice***
There are prayer rooms and yoga rooms in many airports where you can take the opportunity to center and quiet yourself.

To learn more tips for your specific dosha go to:
https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/03/ayurvedic-travel-tips-how-to-keep-in-balance-while-traveling/

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The nervous system has 2 sides: Sympathetic (fight or flight state) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest state). When we eat, we need to be in the Parasympathetic nervous system to properly assimilate the nutrients we take in from our food. If we are not, then our bodies cannot properly digest, leading to poor digestion- gas, bloating, cramping, burning indigestion, belching.

A very simple way to get into the ‘rest and digest’ parasympathetic nervous system is to take 3 conscious breaths before eating. This relaxes the body and creates a sacred space for taking in nourishment.

Nourishing the body is a sacred act. An act of self-care, self-love.

Slow down to be conscious of how you are building every tissue in your body and in result, how that is affecting the state of your mind.

This week, put a sticky note by the place you eat the most, write on it ‘ 3 BREATHS!’ and then take one meal everyday (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) and practice. Notice the shift in the digestion and the mind~

To learn more about the health of your digestion contact Dr. Abbey Leigh at:

abbeyleigh.com

As mentioned in previous posts, in Ayurveda the digestive system has 3 main phases called Avastapaka. The Kapha phase, Pitta phase, and Vata phase.

First, the food enters your stomach (Kapha phase) where hydrochloric acid and pepsin help to break it down. Second, the food enters into the small intestine (Pitta phase) where enzymes help to convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates into molecular nutrients our body can absorb. Third, the food moves to the large intestine (Vata phase) where the last amount of water is absorbed and the rest becomes f***l matter to evacuate.

This entire process takes 3-5hours. This depends on how strong your digestive fire is.

If you put food in the stomach before previously eaten food is not done with the 3 phases of digestion, then digestive issues can occur such as sluggishness, gas, bloatedness, and excessive belching. If you continuously disrupt with more food, over time diseases of the GI tract begin to manifest such as gastritis, ulcers, and diverticulitis.

Note, certain conditions like people with low blood sugar levels need to eat more often.

If this concept is new to you, start off with 3hrs in between meals with no snacking. Notice if you know what your hunger pains really feel like.

To learn more about the health of your digestion contact Dr. Abbey Leigh at:

abbeyleigh.com

We are a culture of ‘doing.’ The more we do, the more productive and rewarded we are. This mentality has poured over to disrupting one of the most sacred parts of the day. Meal time.

Busy schedules lead to shorter time sitting down to have breakfast, lunch or dinner. And it is very common to think about what is the next thing to do in the middle of eating. For some, it may even feel like a ‘waste of time’ to sit and eat.

In Ayurveda, your digestion has three phases. First, the food enters your stomach where hydrochloric acid and pepsin help to break it down. Second, the food enters into the small intestine where enzymes help to convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates into molecular nutrients our body can absorb. Third, the food moves to the large intestine where the last amount of water is absorbed and the rest becomes f***l matter to evacuate. This entire process takes 3-5hours.

When you rush through a meal and do not rest, your food is not being properly digested. The blood vessels in the digestion system become constricted leading to poor nutrient absorption. Both physical movember and stress cause this to happen.

This week, take 1meal in a peaceful environment. Afterwards, sit and do some light reading or go for a gentle walk for 15mins. Notice what happens to your digestion~

abbeyleigh.com

For most of life I walked around with thousands of voices and thoughts in my head controlling all my actions and reactions in life. Most human beings are like this and don’t even know!

I never knew that when I was indulging in my unbalancing behaviors that I even had a choice to do something different. There were unconscious thoughts that made excuses not to do my practices, or justified having a 3rd cup of coffee of the day, or why I kept being a victim of bad relationships.

In 2015, I was introduced to the yogic concept of Vikalpa and Sankalpa. This is when I began to identify the driving forces behind my actions/reactions and was able to make sustainable changes that were attainable when in the past they seemed life-consuming.

You may have heard the word Sankalpa in the beginning of a yoga class referring to making a resolution or intention for your practice. Sankalpa's lesser known counterpart is Vikalpa.

Sanskrit root meaning:

Kalpa: means a desire above all others from your higher Self

Vi: means without, separate, or division

San: means with it, or together (in the heart)

—————

Vikalpa: means separate or divided from your higher Self’s desire

Sankalpa: means the heart’s deepest desire- a resolve to the Vikalpa

We all know that we need daily exercise, drink enough water, spend time in nature, and treat our neighbors well, but not all of us actually do this. We find reasons why these habits are not feasible, excuses to put them off until tomorrow, or defend our judgements against others.

Here is how you can work with Vikalpa and Sankalpa to create better, more sustainable and harmonious habits:

To read more visit my blog at:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/02/vikalpa-sankalpa/

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Drinking liquids with meals helps to lubricate and breakdown the food in your stomach. Liquids also have an effect on your stomach’s pH levels. Drinking too much liquids altars your pH levels and weakens your digestive fire.

Think about a campfire. It breaks down the logs by intense heat. If you put a little water on your campfire it sizzles but if you put an entire barrel of water on it the fire goes out and logs do not get ‘digested’. Same with drinking too much water with food!

With each meal, have only 1/2cup of liquids. Preferably a digestive tea or room temperature water. If you are eating more drying and crunchy foods, drink a little more. If you are having soup, drink a little less.

Abbeyleigh.com

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It has been normalized to be looking through social media, working through lunch, checking emails, or watching a movie while having a meal.

However, your digestion has not been normalized to eating with distractions.

When the mind is busy elsewhere, we tend to eat fast and overeat. This leads to digestive issues such as gas, bloating, burning indigestion, weight gain and/or feeling heavy after eating.

Being present with your food allows you to slow down and be connected to your body. The way the body communicates is by sensations. Mindless eating ignores the body’s cues that something is wrong and, over time, continual neglect can lead to major digestive diseases.

Today take one meal to sit and be present. No phone, no computer, no music. Is it awkward? Ask why? Notice if any impulses come up. If so, take 3 breaths and go back to eating.

Abbeyleigh.com

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If you over eat, even healthy food can become toxic.

The top part of your stomach has this extra cargo space called the Fundus. It contains the gastric glands and its function is to give room for your food to be properly digested. You want to keep this space relatively empty while eating.

Think of a washer machine. If you overload it, the clothes do not come out as clean. Same with your stomach, if you overload with food it cannot properly produce enough digestive enzymes to break everything down. This is the same for quinoa salads or birthday cake.

Overtime, eating over 75% full can accumulate Kapha dosha (earth and water element) and ultimately accumulate toxins. This habitual pattern leads to disease.

How do you know if you ate over 75% full? You feel heavy, lethargic or sleepy after eating.

This can be a difficult GHE because many of us eat for the mind and not the body. Try eating ½ the amount of food you usually do. Pack up the rest, knowing that if in an hour you are still hungry you can eat the other ½. See if you really need as much as you think!

Abbeyleigh.com

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As we close the cycle of the Winter Solistice and this passing year, I have been contemplating the many cycles we experience in life. Birth, seasons, aging, relationships, hardships, illnesses, prosperity, death. All having a beginning and and an end, cycling into anther beginning, another end, and so forth. As if they were mechanisms in clock all turning together, creating your rhythmic journey of life.

These revolutions are an intricate part of your healing and growth. Within them, you take actions that have an impact on how you develop on your journey. At the end of your term, at death, there is a sum total of your actions.

Karma is the sum total of all your actions in this life and previous lives.

In present day, Karma is a widely used Sanskrit word. In the West, it is a term that has too often been seen as a scoring system, good or bad. As if it is a curse, ‘what comes around, goes around.’ This is a minuscule way to look at the vastness and wisdom of Karma.

Instead of good or bad, more correctly we can say that Karma is cause and effect. .

To learn what are the causes and types of Karma signup for my newsletter and read my blog at:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2022/01/karma/

What insults your soul? What does that feel like?

When we are not feeling healthy and strong there is a simple recalibration we can do to easily get back into balance.

Caraka Samhita, Classical Ayurvedic text, says that the Three Pillars of Life, when balanced, provide ‘good complexion, growth and full health for the full span of one’s life’.

To obtain this optimal health review these three areas of your life. What could be strengthened?

1) Ahara – food: The food we take is important not just for the body’s health but also for a sound mind. Each food item that you ingest in a meal has a Rasa (taste), Virya (potency), and Vipaka (post-digestive effects). These qualities must match up to your energetic constitution you are today to bring you back or keep you balanced in the body and mind.

2) Nidra – sleep: Like food, proper sleep at the proper time is very important for good health. The liver and the cellular matrix get to clean and heal all night while we are asleep. If we are not getting deep restful sleep between roughly 10pm-6am then we are cutting short the body's ability to heal properly. Thus, we wake up feeling sluggish and exhausted. We all know how good it feels when we go to bed early, sleep through the entire night and wake up naturally. It’s magic!

3) Brahmacharya – regulation of s*xual activity- This is a fun one to discuss. Everyone always asks me about brahmacharya (which also means ‘abstinence’, and ‘to not wander from God’). Your s*xual energy is directly linked to the health of your Ojas (wellspring of vitality, immune system, strength of body and mind). If you are overly having s*x when you have low Ojas, then you will become more depleted. And too little s*x when Ojas is strong can cause stagnation. There is a healthy amount in moderation for each individual.

Want to learn more about your Three Pillars of Life, constitution and Ojas? Book a consultation with Dr. Abbey Leigh AyD at: abbeyleigh.com

*x

Unite in love.

Photo of my nephew and I, by

It was a hot July day in New York City. I was exhausted, running in a mad rush to see a spiritual guru named Amma that was said to give hugs and blessings to all.

I had left my career a year before, my health was failing, and my Ojas (wellspring of vitality) was non-existent. I had no answers, no other avenues. So I thought why not try hugging a living saint and see where that gets me.

Amma emanated unconditional love and compassion for each one of us even as she sat way across the room. My friends and I could feel that our determination only sustained our energy partially. We knew intuitively that it was Amma’s Kapha radiance and saintly blessedness that truly sustained our stamina. If I was feeling weak or restless, I could look up and see her benevolent eyes smiling and felt charged up again.

If there ever was a divine soul that symbolized a satvic Kapha Dosha nature, Amma, the ‘hugging saint’ is it.

Before I tell you all about the hugging experience, here is more context around the samskrita words,‘Kapha’ and ‘Dosha’.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is created by the elements of Earth and Water. Kapha governs structure, protection, lubrication, and nourishment to the body and mind. The most common interpretation of Kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.” This translates to each of the elements; Earth brings the quality of solidity and stability and Water is the quality of fluidity and cohesion.
Together, Earth and Water are heavy, moist, cool, soft and solid. When Kapha is balanced these qualities are balanced in the mind and body.

Signs of Kapha Imbalance
When Kapha qualities have increased in the body and mind, symptoms occur but may not yet be a diagnosed disease:
Sluggish digestion
Nausea
Feeling heavy and/or sleepy after eating
Lethargy (have the energy but no motivation)
Attachment issues
Feeling “stuck in the mud”/ Dull mind/ Difficulty to initiate
Excess phlegm/ Congestion Difficulty waking up

To know more about Kapha physical characteristics, emotional characteristics, diseases caused by Kapha imbalance, and home practices for balancing Kapha visit:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2021/12/meet-kapha/

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I love the holiday spirit. It is a time to celebrate family, community, faith and love. It’s a time of creativity and wonder. Cooking, decorating, giving unique gifts, surprises, dancing, laughing and hugging. It is magical…if you have a strong, healthy Ojas.

Ojas is the “essence of vitality.”

In Sanskrit it can also be translated as “vigor” or “well-spring of vitality.” In a nutshell, Ojas is the vital energy that rules our immunity, strength, and happiness—three things we want to have in abundance throughout the holiday season.

Here are a few practices to help boost your Ojas and have a stress-free holiday season:

***Be Kind
Be kind to yourself. Plans are notorious for not going as planned so be easeful with your schedule. Practice unconditional love with family, friends and strangers. Kindness helps balance the mind and heart. And remember, it is easy to love if you are rested and balanced.

***Keep Your Routines
Keep a regular sleep pattern, diet and spiritual practices. It is important to stay close to your good habits because these are the pillars of physical and mental health. Do your best to follow your Ayurvedic routine in order to keep your Ojas strong. And have compassion; try not to be too rigid.

***Exercise
Exercise is often equated with weight-loss or strengthening muscles, however it also helps boost our agni (digestive fire=metabolism) and reduces toxins in the body. If this is not in your regular routines, try taking a 15-30min walk after lunch time when the sun is the highest and the agni is strong. This will increase your Ojas.

***Eat Your Main Meal at Lunch Time…

To continue reading go to my blog:
https://abbeyleigh.com/2021/12/reduce-your-holiday-stress-with-ayurveda/

What is your state of mind right now, at this moment? Does it reflect the spirituality you strive to have?

Tolle

Its my karmic lesson to remember to slow down.

I learn. Then I rinse and repeat. Sound familiar?

The wash may look a little different each time, but my fire always gets the best of me. I get too excited about life and want to do everything to it’s fullest. Then my schedule fills up and I find myself still working and studying into the wee hours of the night. Not only does my mental and physical health take the brunt of my fire but also my dearest relationships.

I thank Ayurveda for finding me everyday. Otherwise I would be a burnt up mess. Ayurveda has taught me that I need to have strong work boundaries, time in nature everyday, go to bed early, and keep empty space in my calendar.

Pitta is created by the elements of Fire and Water, however, mostly Fire. The word Pitta in samskrita means “bile.” When you think of Pitta, think heat in both body and mind.

Pitta governs temperature, metabolism, digestion, and all chemical reactions in the body. Fire brings the quality of heat, transformation, illumination, while the Water adds smoothness and fluidity. Overall, Pitta brings intelligence, focus, discernment to the mind and shows in an overall moderate, muscular body structure.

Together, Fire and Water are hot, light, slightly oily, and sharp. When Pitta is imbalanced these qualities are imbalanced in the mind and body.

Signs of Pitta Imbalance may look like:
Burnout
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Inflammation in the body
Excessive body odor
Hot tempered
Argumentative
Judgemental
Jealous

To know more about Pitta physical characteristics, emotional characteristics, diseases caused by Pitta imbalance, and home practices for balancing Pitta visit:

https://abbeyleigh.com/2021/05/meet-pitta/

In the blog is also a Pitta reducing drink recipe!

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