Vastu, as food

Last week we started exploring the first of the nested layers of Self: Vastu. We defined this Sanskrit word as anything that is outside of ourselves, whether near or far. Part of the “stuff” around us is food, and Vastu as food has a great influence on us.

Just this weekend, somebody felt lightheaded in class and had to rest for a while before continuing. I talked to her later, and she shared that she had been very busy that morning before class and had not had any breakfast—hence the lightheadedness. Our yoga practice can be tremendously influenced by what we eat. Imagine practicing after a very heavy meal, after overeating, or after having a few drinks. Personally, I usually have a piece of fruit and some water before practice. That seems to give me enough nourishment and energy for the physical exertion required by the yoga practice.

Vastu as food can also take more subtle forms. There is also what we feed our mind. Fifteen years ago, I made the decision to stop watching television. One of the major shifts that happened because of that is that I no longer think about or crave “stuff” as much as I used to. Even though I still like to stream shows and movies online, I feel I have much more control over what I watch. In addition, I am not as exposed to ads and commercials as I used to be—hence less wanting to accumulate things.

As you come to class this week, I invite you to have a small bite of something nourishing beforehand. Maybe even try not to watch or read things that upset you or make your mind feel a little haywire. And if you’ve had a busy day, try taking a couple of minutes before class to allow your mind to settle. Let me know how your practice feels when you prepare in this way.

I look forward to seeing you in class.

Breathe easy,

Blessings,

Jorge Nihāl