Our ancestors were extremely intuitive and rich with wisdom. By tuning in to natural cycles such as the path of the sun and phases of the moon, they were able to navigate and sustain themselves as they traveled the earth and sea. Nowadays our rhythms are influenced by technology, synthetic products and endocrine disruptors made by man. Many of us have shifted away from harmonizing with natural cycles. We stir around the house after dark doing chores, paperwork, watching movies, playing music, Googling, networking, snacking, you name it. With so many choices and decisions, life feels dizzying. Our stress levels skyrocket and our immune systems weaken. We feel tired and groggy living in a fog so thick it seems impossible to experience a clear day, even with the sun shining so brightly upon us.
According to the science of Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old system originating in India, there are daily cycles of energy that help bring our bodies back to balance. The following Ayurveda-based schedule may help to energize our systems and activate health. The selected timeframes and suggestions are based on the notion that each dosha (energy governing physiological activity) has a corresponding element that is most active at a particular time.
Be forgiving. Go slowly. Remember that small adjustments bring big results. The timeframes are general and vary depending on the seasons and angles of the sun where you live. My hope is that you will experience greater wellbeing and renewed faith in your ability to heal from any illness.
TIME 6-10 am
DOSHA Kapha
ELEMENT Water/Earth
QUALITIES Cool, moist, stamina, strength
ACTIVITIES Meditation, study, intensive exercise such as dance, power yoga, kundalini fire breath, martial arts, running, stretching, movement of legs and pelvis, eating light and warm breakfast
MESSAGE It is time to welcome the new day as the sun rises, retaining information is easiest now
TIP Wake before 6 am to avoid the sluggish energy of kapha, avoid heavy meals
Be forgiving. Go slowly. Remember that small adjustments bring big results. The timeframes are general and vary depending on the seasons and angles of the sun where you live. My hope is that you will experience greater wellbeing and renewed faith in your ability to heal from any illness.
TIME 10-2 pm
DOSHA Pitta
ELEMENT Fire
QUALITIES Warmer, drier, lighter
ACTIVITIES Eat lunch between 11 and 12, tend to to-do list, business negotiations, corresponding
MESSAGE The sun is at its peak, the day is heating
TIP Eat the biggest meal of the day as Agni (digestive fire) is strong and metabolism is high
TIME 2-6 pm
DOSHA Vata
ELEMENT Air
QUALITIES Cool, dry, windy
ACTIVITIES Napping, meditation, 'homework', writing, composing music, any activity requiring brain activity and creativity
MESSAGE The mind may be unsteady
TIP Minimize intense activities, drink tea, slow down
TIME 6-10 pm
DOSHA Kapha
ELEMENT Water/Earth
QUALITIES Cooer, damp and thick air
ACTIVITIES Dinner between 6-7 pm, spiritual practice, family bonding, community gatherings, self-nurturing, yin yoga, meditation, walking, swimming, reading, listening to music, relaxing,
MESSAGE The energy of the day is winding down as the sun sets
TIP Turn off electronics, light a candle, prepare to be in bed before 10 pm
TIME 10 pm - 2 am
DOSHA Pitta
ELEMENT Fire
QUALITIES Fire to repair and transform cells
ACTIVITIES Sound sleep
MESSAGE Between 10 pm and 12 am is the most rejuvenating time to sleep
TIP If you are having nightmares, perhaps try eating less at dinnertime. This is a not a time for digestion but a time for cleansing and purifying the body
TIME 2-6 am
DOSHA Vata
ELEMENT Air
QUALITIES Cooler and drier air
ACTIVITIES Rise with the birds, elimination, wash body, perform kriyas, scrape tongue, jala neti, pray, meditate, chant, take a reflective walk
MESSAGE This is Brahma-Muhurtham, or 'Time of God'. Two hours before sunrise is known as auspicious.
TIP Try waking during this time, notice how it is easy to synchronize with the energy of the entire day, drink hot tea to calm anxiety
