With the New Year here many people are thinking about commitments to health and wellness.
A great model to use for total self care, inside and out, is the koshas of yoga.
There are five koshas that make up the multi-dimensional being in yoga philosophy. These are vital parts of ourselves that we can focus on nourishing for true health and well-being.
The Koshas are:
Anamaya Kosha: The physical body.
Pranamaya Kosha: The energy or life force body.
Manomaya Kosha: The mental body
Vijnanamaya Kosha: Witness or wisdom body.
Anandamaya Kosha: The Bliss Body
Checking in that you have connected and nourished each of these essential parts of self each day can create vibrancy and vitality and increase energy and joy in life.
Ideas for caring for each kosha:
Anamaya Kosha: eat healthy foods, hydrate, exercise
Pranamaya Kosha: conscious breathing, yoga practices, getting body/energy work
Manomaya Kosha: reading or engaging with new skills and activities, constant learning, mindfulness meditation
Vijnanamaya Kosha: meditation of all kinds, yoga practice, connecting to nature
Anandamaya Kosha: spiritual practices of any kind, loving-kindness practices, connecting with people you love
There are many more ways you can care for each kosha and as you practice you will find the things that work for you.
Step one is being aware of them on a daily basis if possible, but don’t make it difficult. Pick things that are reasonable and easy for you to implement and many things can apply to more than one kosha, for example eating healthy for your body is positive for both your physical body and your energy body.
Make your self-care routine as simple as possible and as enjoyable as you possibly can. Include things you find fun, playful, and that bring you joy!!
What is your self-care routine? Please share in the comments section below.