Kate O'Donnell, author of The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook and Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind, has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for 20 years, and Ayurveda for 15. An avid interest in the healing powers of food and yoga fuel her work. She is a Boston-based level II authorized Ashtanga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, and director of The Boston Ayurveda School. She continues to travel annually to India for study. www.kateodonnell.yoga

Saturday afternoon, 3:00p - 5:30p, $50
Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing system uses diet, lifestyle rhythms, and natural herbs and oils to promote a state of mind/body well-being.  The system follows nature’s rhythms- seasonal changes, sunrise to sunset, phases of life, etc. to maintain optimal health.  Through eating and living in accordance with these natural rhythms, human beings find happiness.  This session introduces key concepts of the Ayurvedic view of the body, the Pancha Mahabhutas (the five elements) and the three Doshas, functional biological compounds, how they affect us, and how to recognize them in your body.

Sunday afternoon, 12:30p - 4:15p, $70
Rtucharya, Dinacharya, and Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle
Understand the importance of time of year and time of day in maintaining balance, and how to apply ancient diet and lifestyle techniques for health, beauty, and longevity. We will cover seasonal and dosha specific diets, oil massage, and care of the senses.

Ayurvedic daily rhythms and food choices can support householder and yogi alike. Specific foods are revered in Ayurveda for promoting strength and sustainability (brmhana), as well as cleansing and lightness (langhana). Understand the difference between the two, and when and how to use these foods. Learn about observing simple daily and seasonal rhythms, lunar cycles, and practices to bolster and evolve your yoga.

Both days together: $110