The Science of Life: An Ayurveda weekend with author Kate O’Donnell

This interactive masterclass will cover some basic principles of Ayurveda in three separate workshops over the course of the weekend.

Join this Ayurveda weekend workshop with best-selling author Kate O’Donnell. The event will include three separate workshops over the course of the weekend (details below). You may attend the whole weekend or a single day. We are offering reduced price for students.

India’s ancient healing system of Ayurveda is based on maintaining balance in the mind and body through simple, accessible, diet and lifestyle modifications and body therapies like self-massage. This interactive masterclass will cover some basic principles of Ayurveda, and how seasonal changes and individualized daily routines can help us maintain health and longevity. Learn some basic tools, like circadian rhythms for sleep, meal spacing for digestion and metabolism, and more. This class is open to all who are interested in feeling amazing.

Friday April 24, 2026 (4-6pm)

Introduction to Ayurveda

India’s ancient healing system of Ayurveda is based on maintaining balance in the mind and body through simple, accessible, diet and lifestyle modifications and body therapies like self-massage. This interactive masterclass will cover some basic principles of Ayurveda, and how seasonal changes and individualized daily routines can help us maintain health and longevity. Learn some basic tools, like circadian rhythms for sleep, meal spacing for digestion and metabolism, and more. This class is open to all and will include practical self-care rituals for students, faculty, and staff on the go.

Saturday April 25, 2026 (10am-12pm)

Ayurveda and the Mind

Your mind holds the key to balance. In Ayurveda and the Mind, we’ll explore ancient wisdom and modern practices to shift mental states, improve mood, and deepen your yoga. Simple tools, lasting transformation.

At the heart of this workshop are the Mahagunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—the three mental energies described in both Yoga and Ayurveda. These qualities are always at play, shaping our thoughts, moods, and behaviors. You’ll learn how they work, why they matter, and how cultivating Sattva—clarity, calm, and balance—supports mental health and overall wellbeing. You’ll leave with accessible, take-home practices to improve mood, focus, and emotional stability. Together, we’ll explore ancient teachings that remain strikingly relevant for today’s fast-paced world—offering everyday tools to stay steady, clear, and connected.

Sunday April 26, 2026 (12-2pm)

Food as Medicine for Digestion, Immunity, and Energy

Let’s talk about food. Turn your kitchen into a healing space by learning to use common ingredients and Ayurvedic spices and herbs to support healing at home. We will discuss Ayurveda’s classification of food and spices as medicine for daily nourishment, and for common complaints such as cold symptoms, indigestion, constipation, inflammation, lethargy, and low immunity. Learn how to make and use brain and reproductive tonics, teas, digestives, and more. In addition to understanding food through this lens, learn when and how to use food as medicine for optimal results, and go home with some new recipes. Discover Kitchen Alchemy and leave with some yummy food.

Parking

On Friday, Central Grounds Parking Garage across the street is the best option and offers hourly, paid parking . You can pay for parking using the ParkMobile App or the kiosk on the second floor of the parking garage by the elevators.

On Saturday and Sunday, there is free street parking on Thomson Road and Lewis Mountain Road, and the R1 lot between Ridley Hall and McCormick Rd dorms. If R1 is full or restricted, the Central Grounds Parking Garage is available for paid parking.