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Andrea Russell

AYURVEDA, YOGA, & MEDITATION

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SPRING NOURISH BOWL

WARM ROSE CARDAMON NUTMILK

GINGER TAHINI NOURISHMENT BOWL

RED LENTIL DAHL

SWEET POTATO + CHARD VEGGIE BOWL

KITCHARI

APPLE FENNEL PORKCHOPS

ROASTED ROMANESCO

CHICKEN SOUP

IMMUNE BOOST GREEN SOUP

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About

I have learned through my own trials that the momentum of life can pull us off center, which means that we need practices and tools to bring us back home to ourselves so that we can remember and stay true to what is in our hearts.

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Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, the Homa Fire Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, the Homa Fire Ceremony is a ritual with profound spiritual significance.

During this ceremony, offerings such as ghee and grains are meticulously presented into the consecrated fire, serving as symbolic conduits to the divine.

Vedic mantras, each carrying specific meanings, accompany the ritual, invoking blessings and spiritual energies.

The flames, representing transformative forces, symbolize purification, protection, and a connection with higher realms. 

As a communal practice, the Homa fosters a sense of collective spirituality and shared intention.

#homaritual #vedictraditions #spiritualInsights #gratitude #grateful #veda #vedicstudies #ayurveda #yoga #india @satsangam.community @vaidyagramaayurveda 

📷 reel cover photo @captainjennybeatty
I am a bit late. Thanks for the birthday wishes! 💗 

I began my 48th year at the Healing Sounds retreat in Coimbatore India. We begin each morning before dawn with homa, a fire ceremony, which I am coming from when I snapped this picture. 

The week has been filled with good company, bhav, ritual, listening, learning, and chanting.  Celebrating the Vedic sciences and arts, traditions and practices that have been around for thousands of years yet are at risk to be lost. I am grateful  to the traditions, spiritual practices, and individuals that carry the Vedic knowledge through time and beyond for the benefit of humanity. 

A creative translation of the Laghunyāsah that we’ve been chanting on retreat. 

May my Agni be connected to my mind, may my mind be connected to my heart, may my heart be connected to my spirit, may my spirit be connected to the universe … ahhh stardust

1 Me after homa and puja 
2 + 3 Homa, fire ceremony
4 presenters at the Healing Sounds Retreat 
5 my Ayurveda sister @anjali.life 
6 @nina_rao and I share the same birth date
7 Agni Hotra, fire ceremony
8 Temple

This phenomenal retreat has been led by @vaidyagramaayurveda @satsangam.community @drrobertsvoboda @drclaudiawelch @shantala_sriramaiah @nina_rao  @docblossom @ombluesky @dr.shubhamkulkarni 

#birthday #gratitude #grateful #veda #vedicstudies #ayurveda #yoga #india
Idli is a traditional and popular South Indian ste Idli is a traditional and popular South Indian steamed rice cake that is typically eaten for breakfast. Idli is known for its spongy and light texture. It is often served with coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil and vegetable stew). To make Idli you need an idli steamer which can be purchased at most Indian grocery stores or online. 

Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice 
- 1 cup urad dal (black gram)
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and urad dal separately. Add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal. Soak them in water for about 4-6 hours, the rinse and drain. 

2. Grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds to a smooth, fluffy consistency, using as little water as possible. Transfer the batter to a large bowl.

3. Grind the soaked rice to a slightly coarse texture. Mix it with the urad dal batter.

4. Add salt to the batter and mix well. The consistency should be like pancake batter. Allow the batter to ferment overnight or for about 8-10 hours.

5. Pour the batter into each idli mold.

6. Steam the idlis in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Once done, let the idlis cool for a few minutes, then gently remove them from the molds.

Serve idlis with coconut chutney and sambar. 

#southindian #idli #savorybreakfast #ayurveda #livingayurveda #ayurvedaeveryday
When you go on retreat, you are not going on vacat When you go on retreat, you are not going on vacation. Wait. What?

Every year millions of people across the globe attempt to rest and rejuvinate by withdrawing from their frenetic lives booking trips to exotic places, bucket list locales, or holiday getaways. 

And, every year millions of these same people return home from thier travels, exhausted, burned out, and needing time to “recoup” from their vacation.

Going on retreat, is not going on vacation AND the benefits of retreat are felt long after your return home.

The intention behind a retreat is what sets it apart.  When we retreat, our intentions are not to see all the sights and do all the things. When we retreat, our intention is to immerse ourselves in a space of do less and gain more. 

While on retreat in Costa Rica, by doing less, you gain more, and this is what you carry back with you into your daily life. The ripple effects of retreat are often felt for weeks, even months, after you return home. 

What is your intention for your next trip? Is it to do all the things or is it to slow way down, do less, gain more, and immerse yourself in a place that exists to do exactly this. 

This is why I created this retreat. I want to make it as easy as possible for you to fully feel the benefits of retreat long after your return home. I’ve taken care of much of the planning for you.  All you need to do is come. There is space for you. 

If you are ready to join me, mark off your calendar, and join us in paradise January 13-19 or 19-25. If you’d like help booking your flights or planning your travel, my trusted travel agent can help you.

Send me a note if you have questions. I can’t wait to retreat together!

True Nature Costa Rica
Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation Retreat
January 13-19 & 19-25, 2024

📩 DM me or visit my website to learn more and reserve your place.

#costarica #yogaretreat #costaricaretreat  #costaricayogaretreat #yogaretreatcostarica #ayurvedaretreat #yoga #meditation  #ayurvedaeveryday  #slowtravel #luxuryretreat #wellnesstravel @imiloa.institute
Jambira Pinda Swedana is an Ayurvedic therapy that Jambira Pinda Swedana is an Ayurvedic therapy that combines limes/lemon (Jambira), herbal poultices (Pinda), and therapeutic sweating (Swedana). 🍋

Lemons/limes are sautéed with sesame oil and herbal powders which are then put into a potli. Heated in oil, pounded, pressed, and massaged into the body to induce detoxifying heat and promote relaxation. 

Jambira Pinda Swedana is beneficial for inflammation, numbness, frozen joints, joint and muscle pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, spains and strains.

Traditionally, Ayurveda body treatments were not some thing you pick off a spa menu. Rather they are to be chosen based on a specific individual need and therapeutic effect. One of the many reason I love coming to India for Panchakarma!

#jambirapindasweda #ayurvedictreatment #ayurveda #panchakarma #ancienthealing #ayurvedicmedicine #ayurvedaeveryday #livingayurveda #holistichealing #india
We only get one life… shouldn’t that life be d We only get one life… shouldn’t that life be dreamy and luxurious, filled with experiences that bring you absolute joy?

Just a few spaces remain. You can claim your place in our Costa Rica Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation retreat at Imiloa, a eco-luxury retreat center in Dominical. Imiloa is on 30 acres of lush secondary jungle in the Saverge Mountains that invokes transformation, wellness, and harmony.

Imagine miles of pristine beaches, secret waterfalls, jungle hiking trails, a relaxed way of being, and an opportunity to rest into your true nature.

I asked this year's participants what they appreciated most, here's what they shared:

"The community we created."

"The setting and how Andrea set the tone for the retreat---welcoming us and holding space so everything flowed beautifully."

"The freedom to fully embrace and relax into the offerings - each and every one."

 "Having every one of our needs taken care of was the most precious aspect of this retreat."

"The ability to take time to consider my life and make different choices."

"We felt like we were a part of the jungle and I appreciated all of the open air and outdoor spaces."

"The food was amazing. I felt like I was eating at a Michelin Star restaurant every night."

It sounds incredible because it was. It was magical actually. I am thrilled to return to this gem of a place. AND there is a spot for you to join us! 

If you'd like to see what the excitement is all about, check out the stories from our retreat. I hope we can retreat together!

True Nature Costa Rica
Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation Retreat
January 13-19 & 19-25, 2024

📩 DM me or visit my website to learn more and reserve your place.

#costarica #yogaretreat #costaricaretreat  #costaricayogaretreat #yogaretreatcostarica #ayurvedaretreat #yoga #meditation  #ayurvedaeveryday  #slowtravel #luxuryretreat #wellnesstravel
📷 @mariahleaphoto
All theses years of loving the banana flower just All theses years of loving the banana flower just now I’m learning that it can be eaten. I have been eating it for the last month thinking I was eating the stem (which you can also eat) when it was at times the flower. 

I had a cooking class to learn how to make a recipe using either the banana stem or flower. 

Many of the Indian grocery stores carry these. I hope to share the recipe in a future cleanse or cooking classes.

#ayurvedakitchen #kitchenpharmacy #foodasmedicine #ayurvedalifestyle #ayurvedaeveryday #homepharmacy #grassrootshealthcare #livingaligned #livinginalignment #livingayurveda #ayurvedicmedicine
Would you like to relax, rest, and rejuvenate in a Would you like to relax, rest, and rejuvenate in a truly magical place?

Join us on retreat in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica, just minutes from the beach. This retreat is an opportunity to let stress fall away, nourish your body, calm your mind, expand your heart, and remember what is meaningful to you. This retreat is sure to fill your inner well. 
 
Here's what others are saying about this special retreat...
 
“I cannot put into words how amazing the retreat was. The Imiloa Institute is a total gem, and the staff is simply the best. I was completely blown away with the experience and am still experiencing a beautiful sense of calm and wonder about all that my five senses absorbed. Andrea, you are a gifted retreat leader.” 
–Tracy

"This retreat was truly a mountaintop experience both literally and figuratively. I felt completely supported by the setting, the people and the practices. Andrea's skillful leadership provided opportunities to be fed - mind, body, and soul - in numerous ways every single day. I felt my cup fill to the brim over the course of the week with enough to continue processing and learning, post retreat, for some time to come. Gratitude abounds."
-Retreat participant

“I would absolutely recommend attending this yoga retreat. The beautiful time spent with Andrea and like-minded people in the amazing setting of the rain forest of Costa Rica was one of the best experiences ever!”
-Debbie

"This was more than I could have ever dreamed. Imiloa was eye opening, life-changing and it renewed me and prepared a foundation that I didn’t know that I needed. The food was incredible and the location was beautiful. I can’t wait to come back. Magical."
-Mitzy 

Step onto your yoga mat each day to deepen your practice in paradise. Learn Ayurvedic wisdom to live in deeper alignment with your true nature. Your afternoons are free to relax at the beach, hike the jungle trails, swim at the waterfall, or go on an excursion. 

True Nature Costa Rica Retreat
Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation
January 13-19 & 19-25, 2024

 📩 DM me or visit my website to learn more and reserve your place.

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