30 Days at the Sivananda Ashram: How Yoga, Ayurveda, and Mindful Living Transformed Me

In the fall of 2022, I embarked on a transformative 30-day journey at the Sivananda Yoga Farm Ashram to complete my Yoga Teacher Training (TTC). This experience wasn’t just about yoga—it was a full immersion into Ayurveda, mindful living, and nourishing my body and soul. What I learned during this time continues to shape my personal and professional life, and I’m excited to share how it all unfolded.

The Power of Yoga & Ayurveda Combined

At the ashram, everything revolved around integrating yoga and Ayurveda for total well-being. The combination of daily Hatha Yoga practice, meditation, and Ayurvedic principles created a powerful foundation for personal transformation. Yoga worked on my body and mind, while Ayurveda provided the tools to balance the elements within.

Through daily asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, I developed the physical and mental strength to reconnect with my true self. Ayurveda, on the other hand, taught me the importance of self-care through food, herbs, and lifestyle practices that nourish from the inside out.

Ayurveda at Its Core: Understanding Balance

One of the most profound lessons I took from my time at the ashram was the importance of balance. Ayurveda is built on the idea that health is achieved by balancing the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energies govern our physical and emotional states, and learning how to keep them in harmony was a game-changer.

The ashram’s daily rhythms reflected this balance. Early morning wake-ups, structured yoga practices, communal meals, and meditation all aligned with natural circadian rhythms. This simplicity, paired with Ayurveda’s mindful approach to food and lifestyle, left me feeling grounded, calm, and aligned.

Ayurvedic Cuisine: More Than Just Food

Every meal at the ashram was a lesson in Ayurveda. The food was organic, fresh, and designed to support digestion and vitality. Meals were prepared with love and intention, balancing the doshas and fueling the body’s natural healing process.

As someone passionate about food as medicine, I found these meals to be both nourishing and deeply healing. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander weren’t just there for flavor—they played an essential role in digestion and overall well-being.

Sacred Rituals: Puja & Karma Yoga

Beyond the physical and philosophical teachings, two essential aspects of ashram life deeply influenced me—puja (sacred rituals) and karma yoga (selfless service).

Each morning, the ashram resonated with the sounds of Vedic chants and devotional prayers during puja. These rituals weren’t just about tradition; they were an opportunity to set intentions, cultivate gratitude, and surrender to something greater than myself. Puja reminded me that true transformation happens when we align our actions with devotion and purpose.

Karma yoga, or selfless service, was another profound practice that reshaped my understanding of work and purpose. My role involved cleaning shared spaces and the temple—tasks that may have seemed simple but held deep meaning. These daily acts of service became a meditation in themselves, teaching me humility, mindfulness, and the power of offering energy without expectation. I realized that yoga isn’t just what happens on the mat—it’s how we move through the world, present and engaged in every moment.

The Power of Connection

One of the most unexpected gifts of this journey was the incredible people I met—intelligent, loving, and deeply committed to personal growth. The ashram attracted individuals from all walks of life, each bringing their own wisdom and experiences. We shared meals, practiced together, supported one another through the challenges of training, and had deep conversations that left lasting impressions.

Being surrounded by such an inspiring community reminded me of the importance of connection on the path to healing. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it flourishes in the presence of kindred spirits who uplift and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves.

Mindful Living: The Key to Transformation

What stood out most during my time at the ashram was the emphasis on mindfulness. From waking up to the sound of the bell to evening meditations under the stars, every moment was an invitation to be fully present.

By integrating mindfulness into everything—eating, practicing yoga, even walking—I tuned into my inner wisdom and experienced healing on a deeper level. This awareness has become a cornerstone of my daily life and the work I do with clients.

The Transformation Continues

The teachings and experiences from those 30 days continue to shape my life today. The balance of yoga and Ayurveda gave me the tools to maintain a harmonious relationship with myself, and I’ve since integrated these practices into my work at Inspire Jewel Wellness.

Through personalized nutrition plans, mindfulness practices, and holistic wellness consultations, I help others find the same sense of balance and vitality I discovered at the ashram.

If you’re ready to explore how Ayurveda and mindfulness can support your health and well-being, let’s connect. A more vibrant, balanced life is within reach.