"Love Serve & Remember" is a touching song that comes from an instructive message - to serve everyone and remember God. The version at the beginning of my latest story is by John Astin, PhD in Psychology and accomplished songwriter, recording artist, and  author. The first time I heard the song was at Ayurveda Health Retreat where it fits well in a place dedicated to the service of helping people heal in body, mind, and spirit.

It was February 2021 and almost a year of COVID-19, with shutdowns and seemingly constant bad news. My cancelled trips paled in comparison to the sufferings of others, both in the news and my own circle of family members and friends. In my family, there was loss from another source, the unexpected news of cancer, quickly taking the life of my sweet nephew Tony way too early. 

Looking for respite, and particularly a place to learn more about the health benefits of meditation, I started to research health spas.  never expecting to find Ayurveda, one of the oldest health practices in the world. Reading health literature for many years, I'd never looked into Ayurvedic medicine. 

Using the instructions on the web site, I prepared for my visit to Ayurveda Health Retreat. By changing my diet to eliminate sugar, fried foods, and dairy products, I began to loose weight. Even though Ayurveda is about health and not weight loss specifically, I'd lost 20 pounds by the end of my stay there and I was eating three large meals a day, with dinner at 7:15 pm! 

Although I didn't know it before my visit, Alachua, Florida is home to a large population of Hare Krishnas, perhaps the largest in North America. The ISKCON Alachua Hare Krishna Temple is located there and I had the opportunity to visit there briefly. The gentle place seemed in contrast with the souped-up engines of trucks occasioned from time to time on the oak lined streets of the beautiful town. But Richard, the Director of Alachua Health Retreat, explained that all the residents of Alachua get along very well.   

What I learned at Ayurveda Health Retreat in eight days was the tip of the iceberg of that science. But, it was enough to convince me that the practices they teach there improve your health beyond measure. Every activity is designed to cleanse you body, mind, and soul, helping you to become more fit, focused, and have more joy!

Practice Healing Before Illness - Marie Goff