“I have been working with Ayurveda and Leah Kaplan for over a year now. My "old" self, who was always looking for the quick fix, would say, "You're kidding right? Over a year and you're still not finished? Then it must not work." Oh but it DOES! My old self just didn't realize what changes were needed.



My story with Ayurveda won't resonate with everyone. One of the things that makes Ayurveda so powerful is that it meets the needs of each person who is working with it. For me, I needed to learn to appreciate "the journey". I needed to find joy in the everyday "humdrum" activities that are required to live, instead of rushing through the days trying to get to the "next big event or success". Here's the sneaky part about my journey through Ayurveda - I had no idea that this was what I needed to learn. I thought it was all about what foods to eat and which herbs to take. But Leah Kaplan knew the truth. She didn't try to "teach" me with lectures. She taught me by providing activities, routines and suggestions on bringing beauty and satisfaction to all my senses.



Sometimes it felt like such a struggle. I'm not sure why. No individual change was hard, but I've been pretty set in my lifestyle and mindset for a long time. Somehow Leah always responded in just the way that I needed. There was no judgment - at least no judgment from Leah. For the first time in my life, it was safe to tell the absolute truth, both to Leah and to myself. Leah's acceptance and help without judgment is teaching me to not judge myself. This has been one of the most powerful results of this work. You can read books and websites, take online tests, and follow generic recommendations for eating for your dosha. But Ayurveda is so much more. Working with Leah Kaplan has taught me so much that I didn't even realize I could learn. Leah offered many insights; wonderful questions that made me take another look at myself and my perceptions; and many times simple suggestions that I simply couldn't see until she offered them to me. But she is also teaching me by example to treat myself the way I have tried to treat others all my life - with care, understanding, a lack of judgment, acceptance and love.



This will probably sound silly and trite, but my days are so often filled with laughter now. I take a few minutes each morning outside with my dog and find myself chuckling as I watch her chase after some insect. I catch myself rushing around, not paying attention, accidentally missing a doorknob or a step. Instead of being irritated or embarrassed, I find a delighted bubble of laughter crops up as if I'm watching an old Three Stooges clip. I can't tell you why. I can only say that it is so wonderful to find joy in this universe instead of constant irritation, judgment and worry. Does Ayurveda take away all your troubles? Of course not. But it does change the lens and the focus through which you view difficulties and problems.



As I'm re-reading this, I realize that I have not once referred to the reason that brought me to Ayurveda and Leah. My diet and lifestyle brought me to some significant health issues. I'm a work in progress, and for the first time in many years, I know I am capable of creating new habits. Do you have any idea how good it feels to know there is hope? After years of failing at diets, I am finally sure that I'm capable of change. I'm so looking forward to continuing this journey. There's no telling what new lessons lie ahead for me. I wish everyone could experience the journey they need. It's a transforming experience.”