Group Lectures and Demonstrations

Topics for a Single Lecture or a Series

Whole Foods North Raleigh
Cooking with Spice Demo

There are no fees for lectures to non-profit organizations or non-commercial private groups of 6 or more people within 50 miles.

I've given talks to a wide variety of audiences including library patrons, church groups, college students, medical students, seniors, business leaders and book clubs. I am willing to work with you to produce a program appropriate to the time constraints, needs and interests of your group.

Most people lack a basic understanding of Ayurveda, the Science of Life, even though it's the original owner's manual for the human body. Ayurveda offers a simple framework for understanding our individual differences and how to harmonize with them to maintain balance in an ever-changing world, primarily through choices in diet and daily routine.

While the knowledge is as old as mankind, much has been lost or distorted in the course of time. In the early 1980s, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi brought together leading experts to restore the purity of the knowledge and unfold its full value in promoting health and preventing disease. This is the version of Ayurveda on which I was trained.

Since there is so much practical information to be gained, some will prefer to acquire it in small doses—so that it can be fully digested. To address this need, I've often structured a series of 60-90 minute interactive lectures. Each session begins with a brief re-capitulation of the information that is essential for understanding the current material. This provides an orientation to new-comers. It also re-enforces learning for prior attendees, who have been uniformly appreciative of the approach. That said, I've also given many one-time programs that were well-received ranging from 40 minutes to two-hours.

Here's a sampling of the topics I can address:

Introduction to Ayurveda

Overview of the Vedas and Vedic Science
The goal of Ayurveda
The three Doshas
Ayurvedic description of the human physiology
Health benefits of meditation

Diet, Digestion and the Doshas

The digestive process
General principles for healthy eating
How to balance the Doshas via dietary choices
The case for a lacto-vegetarian diet

How to Eliminate Body Odor & Bad Breath

Understanding the sources of foul smells
Correcting imbalances
Eliminating toxins

Ayurvedic Wisdom on Sexuality

Sexual function and health
Guidelines for sustainable enjoyment
Diet for sex
Rasayanas not Viagra

Sustainable Weight Control

Normalize digestion
Unclog bodily channels
Eat for health
Restore balance

Problem-Free Living Through Vedic Science

The source and structure of Vedic knowledge
The seven states of consciousness
How to enjoy life and avoid suffering
How to prevent the birth of an enemy
How to create an ideal society

Vedic Architecture—Home Design in Harmony with Nature

Basic principles of Vāstu
Relationship of Vāstu and Ayurveda
How building structure influences brain function

Using Vedic Astrology to Avoid Problems

Basic principles of Jyotish
Relationship of Jyotish and Ayurveda
Differences from western astrology
The Law of Karma
The power of Yagya to change Karma

Promoting Balance through Daily Routine

The daily rhythm of nature
Ideal daily routine
Managing personal change

Seasonal Detoxification and Rejuvenation

The effects of the seasons on the Doshas
Home detoxification
Pancha Karma
Rasayana therapy

Self-Management Tips for Common Problems

Indigestion
Common colds and allergies
Menstruation and menopause
Degenerative arthritis
and more on request

Health, Wellness and the Bottom Line

The Integrated Benefits Institute estimated that poor health costs American business nearly $600 billion a year in terms of lost productivity from absenteeism and under-performance, an average of about $4,500 per worker, despite application of currently available knowledge from western medicine.

Few appreciate that Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is the original owner’s manual for the human body offering timeless and profound knowledge of how to optimize health and longevity. It explains our individual differences and how to harmonize with them to maintain balance, improve vitality, and resist disease through choices of diet and lifestyle. Come and learn basic principles of Ayurveda that you can immediately apply with benefit to both your business and personal life.

References

Rev. Ana Quintana: Associate Minister; Unity of the Triangle; (919) 768-2900; ana.quintana@unitytriangle.org
Annette Madden: Director for Professional Development and Enrichment Programs; The Friday Center; madden@email.unc.edu
Lexi Hawks: Owner; Longwave Yoga; (910) 769-3494; connect@longwaveyoga.com
Lee Newlin: Former Owner; Peaceful River Farm; lpnewlin@gmail.com; Program Brochure: Introduction to Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking: A Highway to Health
Shannon Bailey: Reference Librarian, former Director Adult Programs; Chapel Hill Public Library; sbailey@townofchapelhill.org; (919) 969-2026; Program Brochure: Chapel Hill Public Library
Kathleen Faroni: Director, Elmwood Senior Center, Town of West Hartford; Kathleen.Faroni@WestHartfordCT.gov; (860) 561-8167; Program Brochure: Breakfast with Benefits, March 7, 2017; Thank you so very much for the informative presentation at the Elmwood Senior Center yesterday. The audience was clearly engaged and eager to seek answers to questions regarding Ayurveda and transcendental meditation. Without a doubt, you have made a positive impact on the several lives…including MINE! What an honor to be the site of your last Connecticut program! We wish you the very best in life as you continue on your journey in North Carolina. May you bring health, wellness, and an improved sense of being to countless others.
Maxine Ershler Carr: Director, Adult Programs; Raleigh-Cary Jewish Community Center; maxine.carr@shalomraleigh.org; (919) 676-2200 x220
Tracey Ryans: Partner; NeueHouse Manhattan; tracey@traceyryansagency.com; (347) 403-1295; Program Brochure: BE Society Workshop
Rev. Virginia McDaniel, MDiv, DMin: Senior Minister; First Congregational Church of Granby; ginny@firstchurchgranby.org; (860) 653-4537; Program Brochure: The Way of the Happy Woman Discussion Group
Carol Lennig: Librarian, Adult Services; Prosser Public Library; clennig@libraryconnection.info; (860) 243-9721 ext. 3558; Program Brochure: Bloomfield Prosser Library Lecture Series; Program Brochure: Sustainable Weight Control
Tanya Purdy, MPH, MCHES: former Director WesWell, Office of Health Education; Wesleyan University; (860) 685-2466; Program Brochure: Wesleyan University
Lorri Foster: Marketing and Community Relations; Whole Foods Market, Bishops Corner, West Hartford, CT; lorri.foster@wholefoods.com; (860) 523-7174; Program Brochure: Whole Foods Bishops Corner