<p>Author: Puja Patel, ALC</p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Three </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Gunas</span></strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong> of Nature </strong> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">In Ayurveda, there are three essential aspects of nature that are present in all beings in the world. The three traits are rajas, tamas, and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">These </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">gunas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> are present in the body and mind, thus explaining a person’s character or behavior. We will now delve into the three traits and how to apply them in our daily lives. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span></strong><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> is </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">pure essence of light and has a spiritual purpose. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">This quality </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">radiates compassion</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> and selfless action. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> is a state of clear, calm, and focus. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">guna</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">is essential</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> as it helps develop awareness and truth to become a better person. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">A </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">sa</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">ttvic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> diet consists of a vegetarian diet. This includes mainly fruits and vegetables and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">certain grains. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattvic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> foods create clarity and compassion in the mind</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">and a </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">state of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> harmony. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Cultivating </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Sattva</span></strong><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Immersing in the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">sattva</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">guna</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> can reduce rajas and tamas in the mind and body. The </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">pure state</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> of mind can be attained by following a </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">sattvic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> diet, practicing yoga, finding </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">activities that</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> bring happiness in life, and associating with positive people.  </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto">Rajas  </span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></strong></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Rajas is a constant state of action, energy and intensity. This </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">guna</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> creates</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> spark </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">to increase</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> movement in the mind and body to do the best possible. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">It also</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> creates </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">spark </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">in competitions</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> and relationships.  </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">A </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">r</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">ajasic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> diet consists of hot and spicy foods that </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">increase</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> heat in the body. This excites </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">the mind</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">making it</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">hyperactive. Some examples are ginger, black pepper, some </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">pickles and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">chutneys, and coffee. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Cultivating Rajas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span></strong><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">This quality of passion can quickly go in the wrong direction of anger, stress, worry, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">and chaos</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">. Excess amounts of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">rajasic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> foods can also lead to anger and frustration. Rajas </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">can be</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> controlled by limiting hot and spicy foods in the body, yoga, and meditation.  </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Tamas </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></strong></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Tamas makes up stability</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">, firmness and builds a foundation for the mind and body.  However, this can quickly become a negative quality. In excess, tamas can quickly </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">convert to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> lethargy, sadness, and depression. This causes the mind and body to become stuck </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">in that</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> emotion and lose passion in working on relationships. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">A </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">amasic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> diet is heavy, oily, and grounding, thus causing the mind to become dull.  Examples are cheese, potatoes, meat, mushrooms, and stale foods. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><strong><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Cultivating Tamas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span></strong><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">The tamas quality can easily go in the wrong direction. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">To avoid this, lifestyle changes </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">are recommended</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> such as increasing physical activity, limiting </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">tamasic</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> foods that make the mind and body heavy, and limiting screen time throughout the day.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW27117462 BCX8"><span lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Each </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">guna</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> has its own characteristics that distinguish one from another. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">Although each</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">guna</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> is very different, all three are needed to complement each other in nature. Becoming aware of the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">gunas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8"> is important in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">A</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW27117462 BCX8">yurvedic practices to help cultivate stability and letting go of what’s not needed in our daily lives. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW27117462 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
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