Numb and Dumb

We ALL have an inherent intelligence or intuitive wisdom that guides us to eat, sleep, and live in accordance with our true human nature. Ignoring this inner guidance can lead to physical and mental imbalance; causing fatigue, stress, mood swings, and eventually chronic health issues; as well as dis-harmony and negative outcomes in life.

We become ‘numb and dumb’.   

In the holistic medical system of Ayurveda, the Sanskrit word for this is: Prajna Aparadha (Prah-ji-nah  Ah-pa-rad-ah), a term that signifies the act of unwittingly going against our innate wisdom or inner intelligence, dishonoring the feedback (hunger, fatigue, etc.) that life offers us – When we don’t recognize ourselves as an integral part of a sensitive and lively interconnected matrix; and believe that life is happening to us, when really life is happening because of the actions we take or don’t take.

In the natural world, wild animals effortlessly adhere to the wisdom of their species. Consider the precision of a bee constructing a hive, or a bird migrating thousands of miles with unerring accuracy, or how wolves – organized predators – live in close-knit packs with a well-defined hierarchy, work together to hunt large prey, and rely on their keen senses for survival. Even our beloved domesticated dogs are pack animals by nature, and their instinct to be part of a pack translates into strong bonds with their human families. They naturally protect their territory and pack members, and use body language and vocalizations to communicate, much like their wolf ancestors.

Our seemingly gentle domestic kitty cats retain their wild hunting instincts, often seen in the way they play – stalking and pouncing on toys as if they were prey. They also instinctively seek out high vantage points, a behavior rooted in their need to survey their territory from a safe distance.

Agile squirrels utilize their sharp claws and strong hind legs to climb and leap from tree to tree as they feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and tree buds and store their food in specialized cheek pouches; while bears hibernate through the winter, an instinctive behavior that allows them to conserve energy during months when food is scarce.

These instinctual behaviors ensure they survive and thrive in their respective environments.

We humans also possess an innate wisdom that guides us to make wise and healthy lifestyle choices. When we listen to our inherent nature, we too thrive with vitality and overall well-being.

However, in our human world we often stray from our innate wisdom, making choices that disrupt our well-being. Unlike wild animals that intuit what nourishes their bodies, we may skip meals, reach for processed or quick fast food on the run, and push ourselves relentlessly when rest is what we truly need. We often neglect restorative sleep by choosing to stay up too late, indulging in stimulating or mind numbing activities that disrupt the timing and purpose of each sleep cycle (to process nutrients into nourishment to build our bodies and minds).

Going against the innate intelligence telling us to take the time to properly attend to our basic needs; and engaging in behaviors that contradict our true nature in exchange for convenience and instant gratification is Prajna Aparadha – or what Ayurveda calls "a mistake against your innate intelligence."

By recognizing and rectifying these deviations from our inherent nature, we can return to a state of harmony, just like animals who instinctively follow their blueprint for vitality. Listening to our body's cues of hunger, fatigue, and stress and respecting these signals helps us align with our innate wisdom; to make informed choices that promote vitality, energy, and well-being.

Here are some examples of 'Prajna Aparadha":

• Overindulging in Processed Foods: Consuming excessive processed and unnatural foods burdens digestion, leading to the accumulation of toxins (Ama). This can result in skin issues, poor appetite, and a weakened immune system.
  

•  Ignoring Restorative Sleep: Neglecting sufficient sleep impacts mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical vitality. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, hampers cognitive function, and contributes to mood disorders.
  

•  Disregarding Personal Needs: Neglecting self-care and pushing beyond limits leads to burnout and chronic stress. This weakens immunity, disrupts hormones, and impairs emotional balance.
  

•  Suppressing Emotions: Ignoring or suppressing emotions leads to emotional Ama, affecting mental well-being. This can result in anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
  

•  Excessive Stimulants: Relying on stimulants like caffeine disrupts natural energy rhythms and depletes life force energy, or Ojas. This can lead to adrenal fatigue, digestive issues, and emotional instability.
  

•  Imbalanced Lifestyle: Disregarding our natural daily rhythms disrupts digestion, sleep, and hormonal balance; impacting overall vitality and longevity.
  

•  Overthinking and Stress: Constant mental chatter and stress hamper mental clarity and emotional well-being; leading to fatigue, digestive disturbances, and weakened immunity.
  

•  Unhealthy Eating Habits: Eating incompatible foods (e.g., mixing dairy with fruit) disrupts digestion; leading to Ama accumulation, poor absorption of nutrients, and digestive discomfort.
  

•  Ignoring Intuitive Eating: Disregarding the body's hunger and fullness cues leads to overeating or undereating; affecting digestion, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
  

• Alcohol consumption: Just a few drinks of alcohol acts as a potent diuretic, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Regular and excessive intake of alcohol disrupts liver function, impairs digestion and depletes the body's reserves of essential nutrients. This leads to a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances and a risk of chronic diseases. Regular heavy drinking can cause lasting brain damage and increase the risk of dementia and stroke, underscoring the severe consequence of ignoring our body's limits.

Visit www.debzholisticlifecoachastrologer.com to learn how to overcome Prajna Aparadha and align with YOUR NATURAL instincts.