I am Mary Roberts (Padmavati). Discovering a different path at the age of 61, after a lifetime of traditional living was completely unexpected. My rather ordinary life journey became an unlikely adventure. My story began with a typical treadmill of life in our Western culture. Schooling, then career path, then marriage and children. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that something indefinable was missing. I began my exploration of the ancient sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda which led me to a week-long Ayurveda conference at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. I created the proposal and presented it to KP Khalsa, renowned herbalist and Ayurveda specialist and co-author of this book. Together, we wanted to find out what was possible. This book takes you on the year-long journey with before and after photos, actual journal entries, milestone reports and final results. I'd be honored to share my story with you.