Ojas - Our Vital Essence

Energetic Waters of the Body - Ojas

Ayurveda utilizes the concept of the Sanskrit term, Ojas, as a way to frame and understand optimal health. According to Ayurveda, Ojas is the subtle essence of all vital fluids, a subtle, juice, or nectar in the body responsible for: health, vitality, strength, longevity, immunity, emotional wellbeing and stability, and spiritual growth.  When we have strong Ojas we have a better ability to withstand stress or all kinds - both physical and emotional.

We can increase this soothing, energetic water through meditation, relaxation, spiritual practices and rituals, spending time in nature, slowing down, nourishing ourselves, practicing self-love and self-compassion. 

Ojas can be thought of as our bank account or our reserves.  It’s a container for what we are putting into nourishing ourselves in terms of self care, spirituality, inspiration, supportive relationships, hobbies, time in nature, movement vs how we deduct from our account through expenditure of energy.  Toxic relationships, work, drama, stress, conflict, over-exercising, and over exposure to media are particularly detrimental. They deplete our Ojas account.  As with any bank account, we ideally contribute more than we debit. 

Having strong Ojas is the basis for good health and a strong immune system.  When depleted by stress, living constantly on the go, or consuming a nutrient-lacking diet, then depression, anxiety, anger can arise in the mind along with a host of health issues that develop in our body.

We can also support or build this vital water by incorporating the following into our life in the following ways through Food & Lifestyle:

• By eating food that is nourishing/nutrient dense

• Foods that are heavy, oil, and dense

• Milk/Dairy

• Pumpkin seeds

• Almonds

• Dates

• Honey

• Ghee/oils 

• Sweet Potato

• Pure, clean food grown and raised consciously 

• Meditation

• Slowing down

• Spending time in nature

• Limiting time on screens: phone, TV, computer

• Limiting distractions

• Spending time with people that fill your soul and energize vs those that deplete you

• Filling your cup spiritually 
  

  All of the above choices are simple and yet, are also useful only when practiced, when we engage and do the work to support our highest good.  If you are feeling anxious, depleted, intense, angry, burnout, or physically sick, you may want bring attention to how you are building or depleting Ojas. There are always tools we can turn to in order to restore our immune system and ability to withstand life’s stressors. Awareness is the place from which all healing begins. Simply being able to recognize this subtle aspect of water that supports our vitality is the perfect starting point.