A few days ago I experienced a tingling sensation along my spine....it was a familiar sensation. I also noticed that I am more sensitive to my environment, to smells, sounds, light, food. I have been seeking out more "prana" rich fresh foods like fruits, nuts and vegetables. Also, feel happier eating fibre rich foods that are easily digestible by my system. Often resulting in a bowel movement 30 - 60 minutes after each meal!
The tingling sensation I felt, I recognize as energy rising along my Sushumna nadi, the central channel around which the two other nadis (Ida and Pingala) "revolve".
A word about Ida and Pingala - they are the functional modules or energetic systems that control all mental, psychic and physical processes.
According to researcher Arthur Deikamn (psychiatric department of the Colorado Medical Center University) the Pingala energetic system focuses on operating on the environment: our desire towards the fulfillment of personal needs - food, shelter, safety, sensual pleasures, avoidance of pain, social and interpersonal interactions.
Deikman describes the "Ida" state, the receptive trait, as a state oriented towards the contemplation of the environment where predominant are the perceptive sensorial system and the parasympathetic function.
Although their functioning may appear as opposed, they are in fact complementary and these two tendencies much reach a balance so that you enjoy perfect health and deep mental health.
So, you must be wondering what does all this have to do with a yogic diet?? Let me explain, you see the energy system dominant and operating in my body was that of Pingala - traits of focused attention, logic based on analysis, space perception. Through regular (3-4 days a week) Mysore Ashtanga Yoga practice I am slowly able to activate the more dormant Ida energy system whose traits are more sensorial.
So instead of using my mind and logic to follow a diet to lose weight, I am just listening to my body and responding to calls of hunger and satisfaction. In the last month I have lost 5 lbs. I am eating every two hours, eating food that I love, and eating it slowly, enjoying every bite. I have to thank my friend Cornelia for alerting me to a book by Paul McKenna called "I can make you thin". Paul'
s message is simple and is consistent with the principles of yoga....LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
It so happens that my body feels more energetic when I eat raw foods, a mostly vegetarian diet with lots of greens (some fish and eggs), diary (small quantities of cheese, yogurt and whole milk), nuts, whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, amaranth), fruits (berries/melon/bananas) lentils and beans. No alcohol or desserts.
My definition of a Yogic Diet is a diet that your body responds to well, makes you more energetic. The only way to find out is to tune in to your body to find out what would be your ideal Yogic Diet....just notice and ask yourself the question "Do I have more or less energy after eating......?" "How do I feel?"
