Imagine reaching a 5,400-meter summit in the Himalayas, finding a powerful sense of pride that goes beyond the climb itself. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey about cultivating self-worth and finding balance between internal and external validation.

Michael explores the importance of self-compassion and how we can appreciate ourselves without relying solely on big achievements or outside approval. He suggests we aim for 70-80% of our validation to come from within, using practices like journaling, setting personal goals, and celebrating small wins. This helps build resilience, avoid burnout, and steer clear of perfectionism traps.

Michael also emphasizes the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin in feeling pride and accomplishment. By focusing on inner growth, he argues we can foster lasting self-confidence, letting positive emotions guide us toward personal goals. For anyone interested in building self-worth through inner growth, this episode offers practical steps to boost confidence, resilience, and joy in everyday life.Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Practicing Self-Compassion for Emotional Resilience

00:02:09 - Cultivating Pride: Lessons from Nepal

00:05:50 - Harnessing the Power of Pride and Growth

00:10:16 - Balancing Internal and External Validation

00:14:45 - Embracing Self-Appreciation and Compassion

00:17:52 - Cultivating Self-Appreciation Through Reflection and Skill Development

00:20:20 - Balancing Goals and Self-Worth

00:23:22 - Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Achievements and Self-Worth

00:27:43 - Building Confidence Through Self-Appreciation

00:31:11 - Celebrating Effort, Seeking Feedback, and Reflecting on Growth

00:33:05 - Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Work and Joyful Activities

00:36:23 - The Neurochemistry of Pride and Accomplishment

In this episode, Akshay Bhat, an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher, delves into the Ayurvedic principles of health and the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. He explains that Ayurveda views health as a balance between physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, emphasizing that one’s dosha is just a piece of the larger puzzle of well-being. Akshay discusses how understanding these doshas can help individuals tailor their lifestyles, diets, and routines for optimal health.

Vata, associated with movement, can lead to issues like back pain when imbalanced. Pitta, linked to fire and digestion, can cause inflammation if not balanced. Kapha individuals, with slower, heavier constitutions, may thrive on more intense exercise. The speakers highlight the importance of knowing your unique constitution to maintain a balanced lifestyle, stressing that what works for one may not work for another.

They also explore the concept of circadian rhythms and how aligning daily routines with Ayurvedic principles can promote overall health. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their unique constitution and take steps toward better self-care through Ayurveda. Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Ayurvedic Doshas and Yoga Practice

00:03:23 - Ayurvedic Holistic Health: Balancing Doshas and the Path to Wellbeing

00:08:15 - The Puzzle of Life: Always Something Missing

00:10:41 - The Principles of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

00:15:47 - Understanding Vata Body Type and Personality

00:18:11 - Understanding Dosha Constitutions in Ayurveda

00:20:59 - Addressing Root Causes of Imbalance

00:22:30 - Cheetah-Like Metabolism and Exercise Needs for Pitta Types

00:25:29 - The Role of Kapha in Yoga and Fitness

00:29:37 - Understanding Your Ayurvedic Body Type

00:32:08 - Finding Your Dosha: The Value of a Doctor's Evaluation

00:34:37 - Exploring Ayurvedic Doshas for Self-Understanding

00:42:48 - Finding Your Unique Nutrition Approach

00:45:42 - Discover Your Ayurvedic Constitution

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

In this episode, Akshay Bhat, a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, explores the four pillars of life in Ayurveda: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (material possessions), Kama (fulfillment of desires), and Moksha (liberation). He emphasizes that balancing these aspects is crucial to leading a happy and healthy life. Akshay delves into how Ayurveda and yoga are interconnected, with both practices supporting spiritual growth and well-being.

Ayurveda, which dates back over 6,000 years, is not just a system for physical health but also a guide for living a purposeful life. The speakers discuss how disease is viewed as a "mistake of intelligence" in Ayurveda, and how balance across the four life pillars is key to achieving wellness.

The concept of Dharma is explored, contrasting it with Adharma, which represents a life driven by ego and negative emotions. The importance of balancing material and spiritual needs, or Artha, is highlighted, with the caution that modern society often promotes unnecessary desires. Finally, Moksha, or liberation, is discussed, with the speakers suggesting that it can be found through various activities like yoga, meditation, and creative pursuits. Each person’s path to freedom is unique, and discovering what brings a sense of expansion is essential for personal growth.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Ayurveda: The Four Means of Life00:04:49 - Exploring Ayurveda with Akshay Bhat

00:08:02 - The Origins and Principles of Ayurveda

00:11:22 - Exploring the Foundations of Ayurveda

00:15:14 - Mistakes of Intelligence and Psychosomatic Diseases

00:18:40 - Dharma: Balancing Inner and Outer Values

00:21:48 - Dharma, Adharma, and Holistic Health

00:23:23 - Balancing Material Possessions with Dharma

00:26:42 - Fulfilling Desires Through Conscious Presence

00:32:53 - Finding Liberation Through Various Practices

00:35:28 - Moksha: The Liberation of the Mind

00:38:15 - Finding Personal Moksha

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/