Sattva: Pure, Illuminating and Joyful Part I

Sattva is a desired mind-state in whichs the mind expands beyond the daily chatter - worry, stress, chores, the "small stuff". In that way, the mind has reached a form of stillness, so that it can relax and then expand. Just like the muscles do.

An expanded mind is able to merge with the universe, understanding the loyalty and communion with all that there is.

In the Bhagavad Gita, it is written that Sattva, being pure, is illuminating and free from misery.

So, in many ways Sattva is an experiental state.

Here are some criteria and signs of the Sattvic mind

• An ability to concentrate

• Ability to calmly shift your attention

• Self confidence

• Sound sleep

• Healthy craving

• Sustained energy

• Emotional stability

Purifying the mind and becoming joyful

You can promote Sattva by self-reflective activities and activites that bring you closer to nature: meditation, arts, hobbies, hiking, cooking, gardening, giving gifts, selfless service activities.

There are certainly some aspects to do less when working on purifying your mind and senses:

1. Avoid wearing headphones when being in nature. Reduce the amount of time when there is technologic noise around, favor the quiet and still

2. Sight - put limitation on your PC, smartphone, TV time. Get specific about that time, aiming to use those techs 10-20% less every next week or next month

3. Taste - choose less refined foods with less additives. Acclimate your taste buds to the gentle sensations of natural foods. Practice more quite, nuance-rich speech. Limit your gossiping.

4. Touch - oil skin often. It is done to quiet the nerve endings. Dress warmly when needed. Hug often

5. Smell - use fewer products containing chemical fragrances.

To raise joy, have a playtime every day (even if you are an adult)

Example: a fun dance, humorous conversation with loved one, taking fun pictures, enjoying your hobby, boardgame, something out-of -the-blue or unexpected that invigorates your mind, splashy swim etc

The practice of swadhyaya, or self-study, encourages introspection and self-awareness, which are essential for personal growth and spiritual development. This can involve the study of sacred texts, reflective journalling, or any other activity that promotes a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

Seasonal cleansing

It is important to cleanse yourself and your environment, especially in relation or during the seasonal changes.

Sattva: Nourishment

In general, foods that cultivate Sattva are fresh, seasonal, prepared with love (and prayer?), simple and nourishing.

Such foods in general are grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables . Foods that are the sattvic are drawn to promote vitality, health, pleasure, strength, and long life, and are fresh firm, succulent and tasy.

Choosing foods that are sattvic are mostly rich in prana (life force). The prana of the food depends on the nutritious soil, sunshine, water and other aspect of the environment where the food is from.

Most sattvic foods sort have a bit sweet taste, sometimes they are inviting the fifth taste sense or the umami taste.

So in easy terms sattvic food is organic, fresh, seasonal, local, least process and best if vegetarian.

In comparison, non-sattvic food is canned, frozen, fermented or pickled, premized, boxed, dried, fried, very hot or very spicy.

Some of the examples of Sattvic foods

Fruits: most fresh and ripe fruit: plum, peach, apple, pear, berries, apricot, fig, banana, pomegranate, melon etc

Vegetable: most fresh an seasonal local vegetables: fennel, kale, squash, cabbage, carrots, sweet potato, parsnips, beets, cucumber, leafy greens, celery

Grains: rice, quinoa, millet, buckwhear, barley oats

Beans: mung beans, lentils

Dairy: fresh ccow milk, homemade yoghurt, goatmilk

Fats: ghee, coconut oil, coconut meat. Raw nuts and seeds: almonds, cashew, pecan, walnut, sesame seeds, hemp seed, chia seed, flaxseed, sunfloweer seed

Spices: turmeric, cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, ginger,

Sweets: coconut sugar, maple syrup, raw cane juice, raw honey

Basics of eating in Sattwic way

1. Slow down while eating

2. Sit down - sitting on your knees is a very good digestive pose for eating as it is beneficial for the digestive system

3. Eat in stillness

4. Eat only when hungry (not for entertainment or for social reasons)

5. Have regularity in mealtimes

6. Eat light or nothing at all when being anxious, nervous or very angry

7. Drink sips of warm or room temperature water throughout the day

8. Eat local and seasonal

Sattvic Community and Environment

Surrounding yourself with a supportive community and a peaceful environment can also enhance your sattvic qualities. Engage with people who uplift and inspire you, and choose environments that are calm and serene. This could mean spending more time in nature, creating a sacred space in your home for practice, or participating in community service, which expands your sense of connection and purpose.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can foster a sattvic state that not only enhances your personal well-being but also contributes to the well-being of those around you. As you cultivate purity, harmony, and balance within, your external life will naturally begin to reflect these qualities, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling existence.