Fostering connections

At the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM), we believe our community is our greatest strength—and our most sacred responsibility.

That’s why we approach every gathering with intention: not just to organize an event, but to create space for something more meaningful to unfold.

A Circle, Not a Stage

This September, we hosted our second in-person Meet & Greet at ARIA University. While it may have looked like a casual networking event, what truly happened was a quiet act of renewal.

Practitioners at every stage—just starting out, in transition, or well-rooted in their careers—came together not to perform or promote, but to listen and be seen.

We gathered in a circle and opened with three guiding questions:

● What would you tell your younger self, just starting out in Ayurveda?

● What kind of support is most needed for your growth right now?

● How can CAAM help you move toward what matters most?

The conversations that followed were open, honest, and moving.

A practitioner shared her leap from corporate life into Ayurvedic counseling, where she now blends business acumen with holistic care. A recent graduate spoke about the loneliness of not being taken seriously by family and friends. Others described the uncertainty of being “in-between”—deciding whether to rent space, seek mentorship, or build slowly from the ground up.

Again and again, we heard a quiet truth: While our paths are distinct, the struggles and longings are shared. And when we name them in community, something begins to soften and strengthen all at once.

What Becomes Possible Together?

One question rose naturally from the evening:

What can we do for each other—practically and meaningfully?

In that spirit, we recommitted to strengthening our practitioner directory—a tool for visibility, referrals, and finding each other across regions and specializations. A small act, perhaps—but one that grows in power when it’s rooted in shared care.

Looking Ahead

This gathering wasn’t a one-off—it was a beginning. The hunger for connection, mentorship, and mutual uplift is clear. And CAAM is listening.

More opportunities to gather, share skills, and support one another are already in motion. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or celebrating a new chapter, your voice belongs in this circle.

We’re not just building practices—we’re building something larger:
A field where the future of Ayurveda in California can grow with integrity, generosity, and heart.

With warmth,
CAAM Professional Committee