Ayurveda and Self-Discovery – Radhi Devlukia’s Journey to Joy and Balance
In this enriching episode of Saturn Returns with Caggie, bestselling author, chef, and wellness entrepreneur Radhi Devlukia-Shetty opens up about her path to self-discovery, holistic living, and finding joy. Caggie and Radhi explore everything from cultural roots to Ayurvedic wisdom, self-care rituals, and breathwork practices that help navigate the chaos of modern life. This conversation blends ancient teachings with practical tips for everyday well-being – a perfect resource for anyone seeking deeper self-connection, balance, and nourishment.
A Cookbook Beyond Recipes
Radhi shares the story behind JoyFull, her bestselling plant-based cookbook infused with over 125 recipes and daily rituals. Written over three years, the book goes beyond food to include breathwork, journaling, and morning-to-evening practices that cultivate joy. While Radhi expected it to reach a niche audience, she was humbled by its wide success and the powerful response from readers hungry for accessible wellness.
Cultural Roots and Family Influence
Growing up in Watford, UK, in a close-knit Indian family, Radhi’s upbringing shaped her deep connection to food and wellness. Her grandmother and mother infused love and experimentation into every meal, emphasizing home-cooked nourishment over convenience. Her mother’s homemade meals and fitness classes for women modeled a holistic approach to health, laying the foundation for Radhi’s later studies in nutrition and Ayurveda.
From Nutrition to Ayurveda
Initially drawn to Western nutrition, Radhi soon realized its limitations – focusing on disease treatment rather than prevention. Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old Indian system of health meaning “knowledge of life,” reframed wellness as individualized, preventative, and holistic. By teaching people to recognize early imbalances – digestive shifts, headaches, hair loss – Ayurveda empowers individuals to adjust diet, lifestyle, and environment before illness develops. This philosophy mirrored Radhi’s family’s natural remedies, from turmeric pastes for wounds to spice infusions for colds.
Understanding Doshas and Elements
Radhi explains how Ayurveda sees the body as a blend of five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – expressed as three doshas: Kapha (earth/water), Pitta (fire/water), and Vata (air/ether). Each person has a unique constitution, with one or two doshas predominating. Imbalances in these doshas affect physical, emotional, and mental states. For example, a Vata-dominant person (air/ether) may feel creative and free-flowing when balanced but anxious and scattered when out of balance. Ayurveda’s core practice is learning to counteract imbalance with grounding foods, supportive activities, and mindful routines tailored to one’s constitution.
Daily Rituals and Breathwork
Radhi emphasizes that true wellness isn’t about drastic overhauls but consistent daily rituals. She recommends “taking inventory” of your life weekly or monthly – assessing which habits, relationships, or commitments drain your energy and which fuel it. Breathwork is one of her cornerstone practices, acting as an anchor between the mind and body. She uses different techniques at different times: alternate nostril breathing (Anulom Vilom) to rebalance, Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) to energize midday, and slow yogic breathing at night to release tension and prepare for sleep. These simple practices, done in two- to three-minute intervals, can dramatically shift stress levels and mental clarity.
Mindful Living in a Distracted World
Caggie and Radhi also discuss presence in the digital age. While Radhi navigates a large social media following, she stays grounded by prioritizing authenticity and self-care. She avoids stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, relying instead on nourishing foods, mindful routines, and meditation to sustain her energy. This conscious lifestyle reflects her belief that the body is a “fully functioning, beautiful vessel” capable of thriving without external crutches when properly cared for.
Practical Takeaways for Listeners
For those new to Ayurveda or overwhelmed by wellness trends, Radhi offers an encouraging message: start small and personalize your approach. Tune into your body’s signals, eat grounding meals when you feel scattered, and integrate short breathwork breaks throughout the day. Create space for self-care, even if only a few minutes, and regularly evaluate what serves your well-being versus what drains it. In a world of one-size-fits-all advice, Radhi’s wisdom underscores the power of individualized, joyful self-discovery.
Why This Episode Matters
Saturn Returns with Caggie is known for exploring pivotal transitions and inner growth, and this conversation with Radhi Devlukia perfectly embodies that ethos. It bridges ancient wisdom and modern challenges, showing how cultural heritage, intentional rituals, and self-awareness can transform your relationship with health and happiness. Whether you’re curious about Ayurveda, looking to deepen your self-care, or simply craving balance, this episode offers actionable insights to help you nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
By weaving together her personal story and practical teachings, Radhi makes holistic wellness accessible and inspiring. Her message is simple yet profound – joy, balance, and vitality aren’t destinations but practices you can begin today.
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