How Yoga & Ayurvedic Philosophy Can Guide a More Sustainable Way of Life

We can all be the change we want to see.

Most people know that there is something wrong with the way they are leading their lives, a way that is slowly destroying our beautiful planet.

But they then ignore this when making simple decisions around their purchasing habits or lifestyle choices. Justifying these choices to themselves around things like – price and convenience. They are just not willing to change.

However, I know that there are many of us out there who want to do better, and make conscious, informed decisions about our lifestyle that are positive for the planet and the people who we share this amazing but fragile world with.

We are ready to be the change. But I know it is not always easy to make the right choices.

A lot of the time it is not easy even knowing that the choices we are making are right!

Living a sustainable life can be challenging and at times confusing.

But this is where the philosophies of Ayurveda & Yoga can help us.

Whilst Ayurveda and Yoga are based on centuries-old wisdom, some of their key principles are ones that can help us lead more sustainable lives today.

In the future, we will all need to follow these principles, whether we do so consciously or not!

For example, the wisdom found within the 5 Yamas of the 8 Fold Path in Yoga philosophy can be directly applied to how we can live more sustainable lives on a daily basis.

Ahimsa or non-harming

Ahimsa teaches us how we need to live in harmony with other beings (human, animal, and plant). By reducing our reliance on animal-based foods and products we can not only adhere to this principle but also move towards a more ethical & sustainable food system and economy.

Asteya or non-stealing

Asteya teaches us that we should not take what is not freely given. By living in an unsustainable way we are in effect stealing from future generations. Together we need to build economies that protect the environment for our children.

Aparigraha or non-possessiveness

Aparigraha teaches us not to take more than we need and to share what we have with others. With 8 billion of us on the planet, we need to learn how to share with others and also feel the regard of another sharing with us.

Ayurveda

In Ayurveda we are encouraged to listen to nature’s circadian rhythms and eat in line with the seasons, this means eating locally produced foods so we don’t have to import out-of-season fruit or veg from across the world.

Ayurveda also encourages us to take pleasure in the simple things in life, like spending time in nature.

This way we not only learn to value nature but also to observe with our own eyes the impacts both positive and negative that we can have on our environment.

Also, Ayurveda guides us towards ‘right living’ and living a life that aligns with our inner truth.

If you are living in this way then big is probably not best and less becomes more. You will naturally fall into a simpler, more satisfying, and more sustainable way of life.

These are some of the simple but powerful lessons that Ayurveda and Yoga can teach us about how to live more sustainably.

They won’t be able to tell you which new electric car you should be buying (maybe you shouldn’t buy one at all but rent one instead 😊), but once you understand the principles you will be empowered to seek out sound advice and make better, more sustainable choices.

So if you are ready to be the change, then do not hesitate, start today. Do not turn the other way like so many others.

Now is not a time for making easy choices. It’s the time to make choices that you can stand by and hold your head up high.

If you want to get some inspiration on how I integrate these Yamas into my life then follow me on Instagram!