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peace. My nervous system, after decades in fight-or-
flight, had finally relaxed.
My body remembered how to rest.
The Return: A New Way of Living
When I returned home, people noticed. “You look…
different,” they said. And I did. I felt different. Sure, I had
released some inflammation and stress, but the change
was deeper. An inner luminosity emerged that had
been clouded for years by abuse, shame, and neglect.
So how do you explain inner transformation? It’s not
something you do. It’s something you become. A
remembering. A soft re-alignment to truth.
Being present. Being silent. Being still. Being cared for.
Being connected. Being true to your innate Self.
Returning home didn’t mean leaving Ayurveda behind.
Instead, I unpacked it into small, sacred rituals that
anyone can do. It’s what I now call my “T-time”.
• Morning tongue scraping
• Eye washing with triphala water
• Garshana (dry brushing) before shower
• Daily abhyanga with warm oil
• Gentle movement or stretching
• Pranayama (just 5 minutes of intentional breathing)
• Meditation (even 2 minutes of silence)
• Sipping hot herbal tea throughout the day
• Daily walks in nature
This is how I ground myself now. I scroll less. I move
slower. I listen more. This isn’t a trend. It’s a way of
coming home and honoring my body, my spirit, my
truth.
Transformation isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a
quiet remembering of who you were before the world
told you who to be.
So if you’re standing at the edge of change, aching
for something deeper, this is your invitation. Retreat.
Unplug. Let someone care for you while you relearn
how to care for yourself.
And if you’re a leader, holding space for others,
remember to retreat, too. You deserve care just as
much as you give it.
Ayurveda didn’t fix me. It reminded me I was never
broken.
And that’s where true transformation begins.
VIEW THEIR FULL PROFILE ON RETREATMATCH.COM ---------
Tracy J. Stonaker is a passionate advocate
for Ayurveda and Yoga with over 25 years of
experience in teaching, Ayurveda practice,
and leading international retreats. As
the founder of OJAS, she champions
Ayurveda as the pinnacle of wellness travel,
empowering industry professionals through education,
collaboration, and curated experiences. Through speaking
engagements, guest appearances, and writing, Tracy
inspires a global audience to explore the healing and
restorative power of Ayurveda through travel.