Routine: A Natural State of Being
The word, "routine" can generate different thoughts and feelings for each of us. For some, it might feel rigid, limiting, or mundane. While others could look to it as a structure that keeps them safe. Our life experiences shape our beliefs and as adults, we get to explore and reflect on what works best.
When practiced with love and attention, routine is balance set in motion. It supports our daily peace of mind, productivity, and creativity. It helps us through transition and it sets the tone for our overall well-being.
Routine is rhythm. When it feels like it is something we need to control it is an opportunity to learn to let go and access our natural flow. It is a deep calling toward our true nature and if we don’t know where to begin, we can look to Ayurveda because it just depends.
When practiced with love and attention, routine is balance set in motion. When it feels like it is something we need to control it is an opportunity to learn to let go and access our natural flow.
Every mind-body is unique, from the time we are conceived until the time of our demise. Our experience is interwoven, yet it is the only one we have chosen. It is up to us to direct our path in a healthy way that will last, and lucky for us, Ayurveda has a map!
The legend or key to unlocking our natural state of being is derived from energy. Each of us is a unique mixture of air, fire, water, earth, and space. These different compositions are called doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When we know our predominant dosha, we can begin to understand how to create a routine that supports Purpose and Performance.
Vata Dosha
Those with a vata dominant dosha can practice grounding routines such as Hatha Yoga, mantra meditation, and eating at the same time every day. These routines will help balance the air and space in the mind-body and help reduce anxiety and strengthen the body.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta dominant types will do well if they choose routines that are calm and cooling. For example, a daily walk in nature, the practice of Shitali (a breath-work technique), or mindfully eating their meals. These routines will help balance the fire and water in the mind-body to reduce irritability and relax the body.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha dominant types are encouraged to have energetic routines. They do well with brisk exercise in the morning or evening, the practice of kapalabhati (breath-work), and they can choose lighter foods to support the earth and water in the mind-body so they are more energized and less prone to weight gain.
These dosha-specific routines are practical beginnings that pave the path to enriching our lives with new ways of being. They remind us that life is an ever-evolving experience that we get to create.
