It wasn’t the first time I have been here to restore my health, I planned all the things I would do to “add on” to my experience at the Ayurveda healing center, I had forgotten what this journey was about, it became clear the minute I arrived.
I wake up first light, open my balcony, and breathe in the ocean and the jungle.
I take my herbal drink doctor Pushpa gave me, sometimes tastes good, sometimes not so good, but every time I know it is healing.
Most mornings I wake up energetic and want to share that Yoga high with everyone, walking down the path of wild plants and exotic flowers to the Yoga Palapa for a 6 am Yoga class. maybe I will swim in the pool or walk on the beach after class, it is so wonderful and magical to be here and feel free.
This morning I need to stay in my room and do my own meditative routine. The peaceful beauty of Sri Lanka, the sunrise and birdsongs surround me and soothe me. One with my breath and this moment, I feel so calm and content. I know is okay to just “be”... sacred space where there is no wrong, no judgment from myself or others, my body/mind/spirit as one.
Breakfast; remedies, delicious healing foods, fruits of all sorts, and doctor Shitaka is here to help me make sure I take what I need to balance my doshas*.
I have my treatments panchakarma* mid morning; we start with acupuncture, continued by Ayurvedic massages, inhalation, herbal garden, herbal bath.
By lunchtime I meet again with my sisters, who are here with me to reunite from 3 different continents as sisters, and to rejuvenate after a year of pandemic for health.
The afternoon varies constantly with special treatments at different times, sometimes Ayurveda class, or cooking class, watching the monkeys play at tea time, meditations, resting, or just a good talk or a walk as the sun sets over the ocean.
Bats are out in the dusk... is 6:30 and dinner time, we are dressing up tonight, feeling beautiful, healthy, joyful and calm, sitting down for another delicious and healthy meal.
Before we know it is past 9 in the evening, our bodies are ready for bed, I stay up a little longer, my eyes want to watch the stars a moment longer, then I walk to my bed and sink into a lovely sleep.
I have shared so many beautiful and intimate moments here with my sisters, other guest, the people of Sri Lanka.
The family of Barberyn are compassion, they give so much kindness, joy... they inspire me to be better. I feel present, I can be, I connect to myself, I am here, and I want to share it with you.
Thunsaranai
Johanna
All the oils used here at Barberyn they make, as well as all the healing teas and remedies they give us, the individually tailor program adjust to meet the changes of our bodies by the doctor on our consultations every 2 days.
Exotic roots, flowers, leaves, bark and fruits make the base for the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda. The food and the oils your body receives permeates every cell with the healing of Mother Nature, as our body heals we feel different sensations, listening to it I let the experience evolve. Ayurveda works with Yoga and Meditation to balance not only your body but also your mind and spirit, it is a time for introspection and connection with yourself.
I leave inspired, healthier and renewed, I look forward to my return and hope you join me in this incredible journey.
*Doshas is a central term in Ayurveda originating from Sanskrit, The combination of each element results in three humors or doshas, known as vata, kapha, and pitta. These doshas are believed to be responsible for a person's physiological, mental, and emotional health.
*Panchakarma
An Ayurvedic cleanse to balance your Doshas draws out the toxins from the body, also drawing out excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the tissues into the digestive tract in order to eliminate them. This, in turn, unblocks the channels and restores balance. This cleanse is known as Panchakarma.