Everything is different now

...well, not really. But I recently came to the understanding that I am actually not a Libra at all. In fact I am a Virgo! What? Well, I started looking into Jyotish after my yoga instructor made a few comments about it. I haven't learned much, but I learned enough to know that my sign is different than what I thought it was. It basically comes down to Jyotish using sidereal time instead of tropical time. I figure there's still some Libra in there, but I find my self looking at the Virgo horoscope at Starbucks as well as the Libra.

It's been a while...

I haven't forgotten about this blog. It's just that I haven't been making much progress lately. I keep picking away at books on yoga and ayurveda but I have been struggling to really make a commitment to helping myself. I make a little kitchari here and there, and I have been taking a variety of herbal preparations, but I haven't made yoga a part of my daily life. I want to eliminate certain things from diet and put an emphasis on healthy, pitta-pacifying foods, but I'm suffering from a gross lack of self-discipline. I haven't given up, but I'm feeling frustrated with myself. Maybe the change in weather will act as a catalyst for some inner transformation. I guess moving out of the summer heat will be good for my pitta at least. But the summer went by so fast and now the darkness is coming. Oh well, at least I genuinely enjoy the winter weather, unlike most of the people who live here in Upstate NY. I look forward to biking to work when it's 5 degrees out. I'm not kidding either, I really do enjoy it.

Pitta Problems

I've been picking away at a number of Ayurveda books over the last year or so. All the questionaires I have filled out have indicated that Pitta is my primary dosha. It's becoming increasingly clear to me that my Pitta is actually off the charts. I believe I am experiencing symptoms of Pitta overload. The worst part is I know what I need to do about it but I don't really want to do it! In order to get things under control I should immediately abstain from coffee, beer, and spicy food. I should quit eating catsup, which I put on almost everything, and I should focus on Pitta-cooling foods. We're talking about major lifestyle modifications here. I guess I should at least pick one of these things are get started.

Systems of self exploration

Astrologically speaking I'm a Libra. I find that I exhibit many of the traits that are typical of Libras. I don't take astrology very seriously but I think it's interesting that many of my personality traits are consistent with the Libra sun sign.

In terms of Ayurveda, as far as I have been able to figure so far, I am a Pitta type.

Can I use this information to improve the quality of my life, find greater peace, and move closer to a state of enlightenment? We'll see.

Along with Ayurveda, I have a great interest in yoga. I sincerely believe that yoga is a cure for the human condition. But swallowing the pill seems like a long and difficult process, requiring great dedication and patience. I don't know if I have what it takes to really dedicate myself to a personal practice. So far I've failed to do so, but I keep hoping I'll pull it together and get started in earnest.