What is Ojas & How Does Nature Heal Our Bodies?

There is a beautiful insightful connection between prana and our thoughts, food, and the air we inhale. Prana, the life force energy, is indeed influenced by these three sources and plays a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Our thoughts have a profound impact on the level of prana we carry. When our thoughts are predominantly filled with anger, jealousy, or frustration, our prana becomes depleted, leading to a sense of low energy. Conversely, when our thoughts are predominantly of joy, contentment, and harmony, our prana levels rise, resulting in a higher vitality and vibrancy.

Similarly, the quality of our food affects our prana. Consuming an abundant amount of processed and packaged foods or dead meat tends to lower our prana. In contrast, opting for fresh fruits and vegetables, as close to nature as possible, provides us with high prana. Choosing organic and unprocessed options nourishes our bodies and enhances our energy levels.

The environment we surround ourselves with also impacts our prana. Being in the presence of green plants and trees allows us to inhale fresh oxygen, which elevates our prana.

Conversely, spending most of our time in enclosed spaces with minimal exposure to outside air and nature like being in a subway (underground train) or or small cubicles inside offices. result in a lower intake of prana.

Hypothetically speaking, if we maintain predominantly positive thoughts, consume organic unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and breathe in fresh air from surrounding trees and plants, our bottom three chakras can function optimally. This optimal functioning leads to the production of a supreme energy called Ojas.

What is Ojas?

Ojas is a subtle energy that arises when our chakras are balanced, and our prana is abundant. It is associated with vitality, immunity, and overall well-being. By consciously nurturing our thoughts, making mindful choices in our diet, and immersing ourselves in natural environments, we can cultivate and harness the power of Ojas.

In Ayurveda, Ojas is indeed recognized as the essential energy that nourishes our tissues and supports the optimal functioning of our body, mind, and spirit. This vital energy influences various aspects of our well-being, encompassing immunity, digestion, physical strength, skin health, spiritual inclination, sleep, mood, and overall wellness. Ayurveda refers to it as the essence of vitality or vigor. 

Related article: How to Identify the Symptoms of Blocked Chakras

The presence of Ojas can be seen as associated with the remarkable longevity and vitality of individuals in Blue zones, where a few centenarians thrive both physically and mentally. In contrast, we often witness individuals in our communities who are half their age but struggle with frequent doctor visits and depleted energy levels. This stark difference highlights the significance of cultivating and preserving Ojas in our lives.

There are several common causes of low Ojas, including stress, overworking, exhaustion, physical and emotional trauma, poor sleep habits, selfishness, and nervousness. Another commonly overlooked aspect, especially prevalent in the US population, is the tendency to live in enclosed environments. 

Many homes, apartments, and workplaces are sealed off from the outside world, with windows and doors tightly closed. As a result, the air circulating within these spaces is conditioned and regulated to maintain a specific temperature. Unfortunately, this artificially controlled air often lacks the vital life force energy known as prana.

Related article: What are the Different Types of Pranayama & Their Benefits?

Most individuals predominantly inhale this conditioned air, unless they actively seek out opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, or other forms of exercise. It is important to recognize the potential impact this boxed, confined living environment can have on our overall well-being and connection to the natural world.

It is worth noting that even modern-day gyms, which are often frequented by urban populations, are often situated in these conditioned environments. This may explain why many individuals who appear physically fit still struggle with mental ailments such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to counsel individuals who, despite their physical fitness, have been battling distressing ailments for extended periods of time.

I firmly believe that if these individuals had been able to change their environment or simply spend more time outdoors, they would have experienced relief from their distress at an earlier stage, avoiding the need for professional help.

The healing power of nature is truly remarkable and often surpasses what humans can imagine. It is high time that we develop a deep respect for nature and free ourselves from the confines of our boxed lifestyles. Nature has the ability to heal us in ways that are truly spellbinding if only we give it a chance. Let us prioritize reconnecting with the natural world and reaping the countless benefits it offers.

According to classic Ayurvedic texts, it takes approximately 27 to 30 days to build Ojas in our system. This process involves utilizing all three methods of cultivating high prana: fostering positive and high-energy thoughts, consuming & nourishing high-energy foods, and finally surrounding ourselves with fresh and revitalizing air.