Is a Sustainable Lifestyle Really Possible?

I run a women’s empowerment group and sustainability organisation in Rishikesh and for years, I have asked myself this question: ‘How sustainable is my own lifestyle?’ 

When I sat down to calculate how sustainable my lifestyle really is, I realised that actually I was probably a big carbon footprint creator. Technology, electricity, transport, clothes, food packed in plastics, exports and imports were some of the categories in which I was not totally sustainable, I figured. 

When you come to think of it, this is a depressing situation – the fact that all of us are not really able to walk our talk, even though our ideals may be good. Well, at least there is honesty in my words and thought processes. And isn’t honesty not a part of sustainability?

If we look at the ancient tradition of Ayurveda, our purpose of life is based on Dharma and the ultimate Dharma is non-violence. Sustainability is an aspect of non-violence. It is how our ancient societies lived.

What can we do now if we are to strictly live a sustainable life? Can we live in a cave in a jungle and eat berries and leaves? How is this possible with all the desires we have grown accustomed to? Again, Ayurveda recognises that we naturally have desires but these need to be based on non-violence.

I am certainly not ready to live the cave or jungle life. I am a product of modernity and have been surrounded by modern inventions and gadgets ever since I was born. I can only aspire to walk in the direction of sustainability by pledging not to harm the earth, water and air. I walk in this direction as much as I am able to, given my earthly ideas and intellect. If I were to suppress my desires in the name of sustainability, I may develop a sustainability trauma syndrome with all the rules, I would have to follow. I coined this phrase from ‘religious trauma syndrome’ which is a syndrome caused by a guilt complex from not adhering to religious rules. 

This is not to undermine the idea of discipline, which is a necessary part of a healthy body and mind but when it is in excess, the mind feels jailed and guilty and one loses joy in life. This, in turn can create stress. 

Stress is a negative state causing dis-ease. Dis-ease is violence to the body and mind which can lead to negative vibrations. And negative vibrations can never be a part of sustainable living. Isn’t that a logical conclusion?

Sustainability operates on a very high level. It is a new word and did not exist in the oldest language of the world. The elements such as space, air, fire, water and earth were worshipped in traditional Indian society, along with the planets. This is ample proof that ancient India respected all elements of the environment.

All was based on Ahimsa or non-violence which is akin to modern terms such as eco, organic, natural, and biodegradable.

My conclusion is that Ahimsa is a journey, and not a static term. It is Ahimsa that leads us to health and harmony of the individual and the planet.

How To Overcome Loneliness

Loneliness is a major factor in disease and death. It can even drive one to suicide, psycho-emotional diseases and premature death. Look at how many people die shortly after the death of a loved one, particularly in case of a marital relationship!

Loneliness is a sense of isolation and disconnection from the world. It can even occur when you are surrounded by crowds, and living with your family.

Why does loneliness happen? Perhaps due to a disconnection with oneself. But what does that mean in practical terms? It would mean a lack of purpose and drive emanating from the inner self, lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem; and perhaps overdependence on the outer world for validation.

A loss of a dear one through death or separation can also trigger loneliness. Retirement is also a common cause, as the individual loses the hustle and bustle around him or her and a sense of purpose in life.

Nowadays many people live in nuclear families or even alone on their own. This is considered unhealthy in Ayurveda, which describes health, among other things, as a state of social harmony. This harmony was achieved in times when the extended family was prevalent.

Living alone or in nuclear families can give rise to conflict. This applies to everyone, except the ascetics who purposefully go to places of limited social contact to practise meditation to lift themselves from the life of the mundane, as they see it.

So how do we overcome this feeling of loneliness, which is increasing in prevalence and fast becoming a disease and morbidity factor?

Here are some practical tips:

1. Understand the cause of your loneliness and use your intellect and discrimination to self-talk it away.

2. Read about loneliness; you are not alone.

3. Find a creative distraction for your loneliness. Be it art, writing, journalling and so on.

4. Call friends and have a constructive chat. However, the more you chat about your loneliness, the more it will increase. Do chat about it, but in a way to find a solution rather than just moaning.

5. Seek counselling.

6. Exercise.

7. Do affirmations, saying that you are your best friend, because in the end this is a fact.

8. Listen to inspirational talks.

14. Maintain a gratitude box wherein you put a piece of paper in the box for each thing you are grateful for. Being grateful will veer us away from loneliness.

In the end we are born alone, we die alone and it is our duty to keep ourselves as positive as we can in between. Would that not be wonderful?

The ancient sages of Ayurveda describe health, among other things, as a state of social well being. Let us pay heed to their wisdom for ourselves and the planet as an integrated whole.

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The Virtues of Ahimsa

Once there is self-respect, coupled with respect for all that exists, peace will follow and take root in the world, resulting in an end to violence, says Renu Gulati.

The word ahimsa translated as non-violence is bandied about a lot. But how many of us understand it, leave alone practise it? Ahimsa is fundamental for the very existence of the human race. But ahimsa should be followed not only in relation to human beings but with respect to all living entities.

 The Vedas state: mā hinsyāt sarvā bhūtāni “Do not kill any living being.” Violence in any form is a sin and non-violence a superior virtue. I often equate ahimsa with respect ― respect of oneself followed by respect of other humans and all that exists in the universe.

Where there is self-respect, you are more likely to be respected by others. Self- respect needs to be on a deep level, not a respect based on the money or status you hold. After all, money can be ripped away from you at any time and status is ephemeral.

Self-respect means self-preservation and that entails maintaining distances from all that which fails to enhance and empower your life. Being cruel to be kind is part of this. Some practical points for self-respect are as follows:

1. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.

2. Maintain a distance from those who can harm you.

3. Don’t have eggshell relationships, wherein you are always treading on eggshells wondering if the other person is offended. Such relationships are demeaning and potentially explosive.

4. Avoid relationships that cause fear and dread. Keep such people at arms’ length.

5. Avoid relationships where people are constantly blaming you and finding fault in you.

6. Don’t let anyone disrespect your time. Time is your energy and life force. Being punctual is a part of respect.

7. Avoid people who are constantly breaking their word; committing to something and not carrying it out.

8. Avoid people who backbite.

9. Avoid those people who are draining you physically and emotionally.

Without respect as the fundamental core of our life, we cannot be happy, no matter how hard we try.

In a nutshell, self-respect relates not only to oneself, but to how we treat others, including animals and the environment. The ancients worshipped the environment through prayers to the five elements ― space, air, fire, water and earth ― that make up existence.

Rest assured that once there is self-respect, coupled with respect of all that exists, peace will follow and take root in the world, resulting in an end to violence.