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Align with Natural Rhythms

By Shanna Shanti

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