Ayurvedic Living: Tips for Inspiring Youth & Children
I love being able to inspire everyone - including children and teenagers - through experiential education. As I live my practice it’s been so nourishing to see how being a living example of what I teach, comes to inspire the people around me to expand their perspectives and develop a powerful connection with themselves, all of nature, and the universe.
Clients often ask me about how they can get their teens to follow the principles of Ayurveda, especially when they are exposed to so many temptations.
As my wise teachers say to me
“ be the change. Walk the talk. Glow from within. Actions speak louder than words.”
This strategy has worked beautifully for many of my clients. When we feel good inside we start to naturally captivate the interest, enthusiasm, and curiosity of our loved ones, especially if we cook with love. As you begin living in connection with nature through Ayurveda you might find that folks start to regularly ask for advice when it comes to healing anything. This has been my experience, and I deeply appreciate being able to share what I am learning. This recipe for Easy Oat & Rice Flour Pancakes is a firm family favourite for many I serve.
I’ve asked my clients to share how they get their teens and children to eat Ayurvedically, and here is what they’ve shared.
TOP FIVE TIPS FOR ENTICING TEENAGERS TO TRY AYURVEDA!
1- Teenagers care that food is delicious so focus on that and make it as pretty as possible. It’s good to engage all of the senses when sharing food with the family. Fortunately, Ayurvedic food can be a work of art with the beautiful colours and textures of nature. Pictures of your culinary offerings will be all over Instagram in no time, only if they can last long enough!
2- Gradually, your teenagers will start to notice that the food also makes them feel healthier mentally and physically. They will start to connect the dots and become curious. You can share the effects of the spices and other ingredients as their interest grows.
3- Invite your teenagers to cook with you. It’s best to start this when they are young so that they get used to it and learn the magic that happens in the kitchen. But it’s never too late to start! You will make happy memories together and they will grow up knowing the kitchen as the joyful healing heart of the home. Many children are not exposed to kitchen sadhana and alchemy these days and sadly, they miss out on this wonderful part of family life.
4- Don’t make a fuss about it. You don’t have to make a big deal about food being ‘Ayurvedic.’ It’s just a new approach to explore.
5- Carefully and sensitively share the importance of cause and effect. For instance, disappearing acne can be a great way for them to notice what and how they eat shows up in the body soon afterward.
It’s so wonderful when I hear that clients are providing the opportunity to have their kids grow up with a happy relationship with food and a roadmap to healthy adulthood. If you want to learn more about cooking Ayurvedically to set your children and teens up for life, consider taking my Conscious Cooking & Eating class. Learning the art of Ayurvedic cooking is one of the most precious gifts you could ever give to young people.
Help Resources:
Ayurveda for Youth -Podcast episode with Dr. Afreen Pathan shares various traditional healing methods that can help teen issues.
Parent’s Guide To Ayurveda- Podcast episode with Dr.Jay
