On Friday, 30 August 2024, our Earthchild Project team gathered at the wonderful Bertha House for an enriching Ayurveda workshop facilitated by the generous and knowledgeable Claudia Batschari. This marked the second in a series of Ayurveda workshops that Claudia has been offering us voluntarily, and the excitement was palpable as we came together for a day of learning, reflection, and delicious cooking.
Who Attended & The Venue
The workshop was held at Bertha House, a collaborative and flexible space that has played an integral role in making this event successful. Their warm hospitality supported us in every step of the organising process, and the cosy environment of the Mzandisi room was the perfect setting for the day’s activities.
What We Did
Our day started with a peaceful arrival meditation to centre ourselves, followed by a check-in session where everyone had the opportunity to share what they had implemented from the last workshop. It was heartwarming to hear about the small but impactful changes that participants had made in their lives using Ayurveda principles, as well as the challenges in maintaining this new lifestyle, to which Claudia offered understanding and encouragement.
Claudia then guided us through the “10 Ayurvedic Eating Principles”—ranging from eliminating distractions while eating to including all six tastes at every meal. These principles gave us a holistic understanding of how to approach food in a mindful and balanced way.
The highlight of the day was the practical cooking session, where we prepared and enjoyed a delicious Ayurvedic meal together. Claudia walked us through the making of Kitchari, a hearty dish of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices, which nourished both our bodies and spirits. The group also got hands-on with spice mixing using a pestle and mortar, a task requiring a surprising amount of grit! We ground mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, and other aromatic spices, which some of us took home and incorporated into our meals.
Learnings & Reflections
In the afternoon, we delved deeper into the psychology of eating, reflecting on habits, cravings, and how upbringing and culture shape our relationship with food. Through journaling and group discussions, we explored ways to implement Ayurveda’s wisdom into our lives and brainstormed how to overcome potential challenges.
One of the most profound takeaways from the workshop was the idea that Ayurveda isn’t about restrictive eating but about truly listening to our bodies’ needs. As Claudia beautifully put it, “Ask yourself: am I hungry, or am I actually thirsty, bored, or in need of a hug rather than something sweet?” This shift in perspective opened up new ways for us to think about food and self-care.
Outcomes & Future Plans
The workshop was truly transformative, with participants leaving inspired to make Ayurvedic practices a part of their daily lives. As one team member expressed afterward, “This was truly life-changing, practical, and accessible. My daughter and I have already started incorporating some of the teachings into our morning routine.”
We’re incredibly grateful to Claudia for continuing to share her expertise and to Bertha House for their generous support. This is an ongoing programme, and we look forward to more sessions as we continue to explore the rich and healing tradition of Ayurveda.
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thank you to Claudia Batschari for her time, wisdom, and energy. Her dedication to wellness is truly inspiring, and we are lucky to have her as part of the Earthchild Project family. We also want to extend our thanks to Bertha House for providing such a welcoming and supportive space.
What Was the Most Fun?
The most fun part of the day was definitely the cooking and spice mixing! There’s something about peeling, chopping, blending and, creating together in the kitchen that fosters a deep sense of connection and joy. We cooked a vibrant, flavorful meal and ate together; it was a beautiful moment of community.