In 2004 there came a moment, at 11:30 at night on April 15th, when the stress of my life became the catalyst for change.  It is always darkest before the dawn and this was definitely my dark night of the soul.   I woke the next morning vowing to find a way to live a more balanced life, determined to not allow stress to rob me of the joy of each day.  I first tasted yoga in October of that same year, attending  a beginner's class taught by a Kripalu graduate.  I loved the gentle exploratory nature of the postures, I laughed and cried alternately, depending on which chakra was being opened at the moment.  There was no doubt in my mind that I had come home.  The contemplative nature of yoga appealed to my spirit.  It became both a way to move my energy and deepen my spiritual practice.  I became limber of body and peaceful of mind.  I will be eternally grateful that yoga found me.

The story continues.

I began to see the word Ayurveda in articles, in books people gave me, on boxes of tea.  I could not pronounce the word yet it drew me in.  I was curious and intrigued.  In July of 2008, while attending a workshop at Women Supporting Women on Louise Hay's renowned book "You Can Heal Your Life", I took a bold step.  I somehow knew that pressing a button on my computer would shift my world.  Yet still I entered the Kripalu website and pressed "Train with us", and then "Kripalu School of Ayurveda".   This was the first step of an amazing journey.   I took a year of classical Anatomy and Physiology and then embarked on a 10 month program at Kripalu.  I learned how to pronounce Ayurveda and many, many more Sanskrit words.  I studied with the  most amazing teachers from India and Albuquerque and Colorado and the Berkshires.  My classmates became beloved family as we explored this new world.  Month after month as we returned, greeted each other with love and sat in class, I opened myself to teachings that resonated deep in my heart.  It is said that we have within us all we will ever need.  It is so true.  The wisdoms were not new, they were a remembrance.  Still there was so much to absorb .... a new language, chants, herbs, the world of prana, hours of yoga, clinical assessments, Indian recipes and oil.  Always oil.  I am affectionately known as the oil queen by some in my class and that makes me smile. 

So much about Ayurveda makes me smile. 

    The realization that we can create balance in our lives and  thereby improve our health.

    The understanding that love is all that really matters.

    The sense of community that spans continents.  Never before have I experienced this ego-less sharing of knowledge and support.

And so I will share this with all who are open to listen.  My new practice, Sama Tal Ayurveda is the vehicle through which I will offer workshops, retreats and private consultations.  Sama Tal means balanced rhythm.  It is what I focus on each morning as I rise from sleep.

I have been given a tremendous gift.  Ayurveda called to me, nourished me and bids me to teach others.  Aislinn offers me an opportunity to share this with you.

asato ma sat gamaya
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya
mrityor ma amritam gamaya
om shanthi, shanthi, shanthi!

this mantra is from the yajur veda, brihadaranyáka upanishad, 1.3.28 and it means:

from illusion lead me to the truth
from darkness lead me to light
from death lead me to immortality