The Radiant Warrior: Recent Episodes
Lisa Dumas
Join Ayurveda Counselor Aimee Pruitt and Yoga Therapist Lisa Dumas as they offer inspiring tools for evolving consciously from the paths of Ayurveda, yoga, western psychology and personal development. The two share personal stories and insights from their continued healing from burnout and grief (Aimee) and disordered anxiety (Lisa). Find out how concepts from yoga and Ayurveda can support you in managing the stressors of modern life, help you soothe an anxious mind and reclaim a courageous heart!
Aimee and Lisa stepped away from the podcast one year ago, not knowing when they would return, because who could make a plan in 2020? Aimee had to prioritize her work as an experienced Registered Nurse in a global pandemic and Lisa was in the middle of a Covid pivot which included big changes for her whole family. In this bonus episode, we come back for an update and a re-listen to last year’s solstice episode, because it’s brimming with what you need to know about harmonizing with the summer season from an Ayurvedic and yoga therapy perspective.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the beginning of summer signals the start of “pitta” season, a time of year related to the element of fire. For those of us with already “fiery” natures, this is an opportunity to be mindful of the effects of increased heat in our bodies and minds. You might be surprised at what can flare up right now, including addictive tendencies, especially with the collective upheaval and transformation so many of us are experiencing. Listen in on this conversation that is intended to remind us we are more connected than we are separate and each of us is battling our own fire within.
In the midst of worldwide protests to end systemic racism, white people are being called to acknowledge and dismantle our biases and take actions that can sustain change toward equality. This week Aimee and Lisa offer resources for continued education and share how our spiritual practices can help us to be in the discomfort of our roles in racial injustice while doing what we can to create a society where black lives matter.
After a pause from the podcast, Aimee and Lisa are back with a conversation about processing the collective challenges we’ve been facing. They share how celebration and joy can exist alongside worry and difficult emotions and some examples from their lives. They also talk about what they want to remember about these months apart and announce an opportunity to come together to be intentional about making our way back out into the world.
This week Aimee and Lisa acknowledge the challenge to remain steady amidst the ever-changing news and regulations announced to battle the spread of COVID-19. They share what’s coming up for them, what wisdom traditions offer about handling troubling times and a few simple tools and concepts to stay with ourselves when overwhelm arises.
While Aimee is called to use her skills as a registered nurse in Columbus, Ohio, Lisa hosts solo and offers a practice she hopes will be helpful.
There’s a lot of information out there about the benefits of meditation. If you haven’t had a regular practice, it’s a hard time to start something new. Even for experienced meditators, it’s a challenge to sit quietly for an extended amount of time right now.
So we hope you enjoy this version of the guided practice of yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) with the intention of cultivating an inner resource of peace and safety. This method might feel more easeful because you will be invited to lie down while your mind is guided to focal points around the body and visualizations intended to relax the body completely, while the mind stays awake. This kind of rest is called “productive rest” because you enter a state of healing akin to deep sleep.
Yoga Nidra has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, emotional reactivity and chronic pain while supporting focus and sleep.
You will need about 25 minutes of free, quiet time for this practice. Please practice anytime you need a break, a rejuvenation or some emotional support.