How much of our “type” comes from our parents and ancestors?
Ayurveda has a lot of rituals and ceremonies where you are forgiving lineage — it’s called tarpana — and that’s about really looking at your ancestors and forgiving them. Your mother might say, “You have Uncle Benny’s attitude, your grandmother’s anger…” Lots of energy flows through lineage. But the true essence of the divine and Ayurveda is knowing and self-mastery. When we know the self and the emotions that run us, we have perfect health. It’s about learning balance.

What are some of the common misconceptions about Ayurveda?
People think it’s a Hindu thing, but it’s not. Or they think it’s a meditation thing. I don’t always do it, but I might have them close their eyes for five minutes every hour at work, but then I also have them stretch at work. People also think it’s strictly a yogic thing, but it’s a way of life — there are so many ways you can integrate into your life. People also think it’s a lot of money to go to practitioner, but for $200 I spend hour and a half with you, and I’m guiding you like a coach. In three to four visits you don’t depend on your doctor anymore, you depend on yourself.

It sounds like a very empowering form of medicine.
My goal is that you don’t depend on the doctor. You see me for four visits, I teach you about what to do. Ayurvedic specialists that are just now graduating out of college aren’t doctors, they’re consultants who guide you through the journey, finding your way out of misery and pain. I teach the person who is with me and they learn what I do.

How should a person approach life transitions, like pregnancy, serious illness, etc?
I’ve just finished a book on conscious parenting and pregnancy, but I think one of the main things is they need to be aware of what they’re doing, and be in tune with the person they’re having a baby with. Part of conscious living is about picking your right partner and finding harmony, then when you get pregnant, preparing and cleansing, making a temple that the being is coming into. If you didn’t conceive in consciousness, you need to look at your foods. The right foods are good when you’re pregnant, and you should consider the three body types because each is different during pregnancy. Stay away from chemicals, utilizing herbs and drugs. And the father should be in love with pregnancy.

I think everything should be done with sacred, conscious steps. If you’re changing jobs, get the pros and cons of why. Are you doing it for money or fulfillment? If you’re moving, make sure your moving is conducive to work. I’m in transition now — my home is in Florida, but I want to build in California. But I can’t just go crazy and have a practice there tomorrow. I have a school, I have to come every two weeks, start getting my name known, connecting with people, and then maybe in a year I will move completely. But right now with the economy, I can’t sell my house for what I paid for it. So selling and moving here will put me in chaos.

So every transition should be done with steps and ease, changes and movements. Connecting with the right people. Taking the steps — how do we do this? If you rush, act impulsive or go for the dollar, you won’t find fulfillment. You need to pace yourself through any situation. The goal of Ayurveda is fulfillment, with the mind, body and spirit working together.

What are some things everyone needs to experience about Ayurveda?
How to calm your emotions, take time for yourself, and nurture yourself first. Those who nurture themselves first are able to give more to others. If you care for everyone else and don’t take time for the self, you’re passing your survival to others. And be here now. We’re always trying to get someplace. Stop. Live in the moment.

For more information, visit Light’s website at ayurvedichealers.com.