Creating Balance Through Routine
There is no question that the pandemic has changed the way we live. We have been living in uncertain and challenging times. Whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, or spiritually we have all been impacted in some way by COVID-19, racial injustice, and the overall unrest created as a result of the fear and division brought about by these dual pandemics. We are unsettled. This rajas (the energy of transformation) that the world is experiencing is necessary in order to bring forth change. I am hopeful that as this momentum continues we will find the world in a more sattvic and restful state come the next seasonal transit. Until then, we can turn to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to help us achieve balance so we may continue the work necessary to create a healing shift.
Ruled by the least stable of the five elements, air and ether, the fall season lacks stability and has the potential to exaggerate the already present unease many of us are currently experiencing. Seasonal transitions offer us an opportunity to reflect on how we are living in the world. When we are living in tune with the rhythms of nature we will experience mental, physical, and energetic balance. When we are disconnected from these natural rhythms we can experience disruption caused by an imbalance of how the elements present themselves in our unique constitutions. During fall and into early winter, vata time of year, we may experience imbalances relating to the increase of the air and ether elements.
The pandemic has created an imbalance in the way we interact with the natural world. Just as we emerged from winter and entered a time where we could experience nature more fully, the pandemic hit. We found ourselves in a situation that would not allow us to get back in touch with nature. For many, myself and family included, the pandemic has created an increase in the use of electronics, unhealthy eating habits, and has disrupted our natural cycles. I have struggled with these changes as I know many others have. As we move into fall, creating a routine is a great way to combat the irregularity present this time of year. Below are seven ways you can incorporate Ayurvedic principles to create a routine that can help you achieve and maintain balance this fall.
Create a Schedule
As mentioned above, irregularity can aggravate vata dosha. Scheduling regular times for sleep, meals, and self care can help prevent this disturbance. Start small by normalizing your wake and sleep times. Ayurveda recommends waking during vata time of the morning, before 6:00am. This is an auspicious time of day perfect for prayer, gratitude practice, setting intention or moving into your meditation practice. Try scheduling your evening routine so you can get to sleep before 10:00pm. Our digestive functions occur during pitta time, 10:00 - 2:00 am & pm. During these times we not only digest our food, but also all of our sensory impressions from our day. Going to bed after 2:00am can hinder these digestive processes.
2. Keep Hydrated
One method of treatment Ayurveda utilizes to correct imbalance is opposite therapy. Bringing in the opposite qualities of the dosha that is aggravated. In order to combat the dry and cold qualities of vata drink plenty of warm water. Try to avoid cold beverages. Cold food and liquids can smolder our digestive fire. You can also add a bit of lemon to your water to help stimulate digestion.
3. Nourish your Body
Ayurveda has an arsenal of self care practices it utilizes. Abhyanga is one of the best self care techniques for this time of year. This self oil massage combats the dry, cold, rough, hard qualities of vata while aiding detoxification by stimulating the movement of lymph in the body. Check out our blog here on how to do abhyanga.
4. Eat Mindfully
There is an innate intelligence in nature. This intelligence informs what the earth produces seasonally. During the fall season we see foods growing naturally that contain the opposite qualities of vata dosha. Produce like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets and other root vegetables are great options this time of year. Favor warm cooked meals as they are more easily digested. How we eat is just as important as what we eat. Try eating your meals around the same time everyday in an area free of distraction. Incorporating mantra, prayer, or a gratitude practice before meals is an excellent way to set the tone of your meal.
5. Ignite Your Fire
Achieving and maintaining proper digestion is vitally important to our overall health. Improper digestion can lead to the build up of toxins in the body and in return can cause disease. To stimulate your digestive fire drink warm water with lemon. Avoid cold beverages. Eat warm cooked foods as they are easier for the body to digest. If digestion is slow and agni low, try incorporating warming spices such as cardamom, cumin, coriander, basil, and fennel.
6. Nourish your Mind
Vata dosha is always on the move. When out of balance it’s common to experience an increase in anxiety, forgetfulness, or spaciness. In order to combat this erratic mobility make time for stillness. Take a few moments everyday for meditation, prayer, a walk in nature, gratitude practices, pranayama, or any practice where you can step away and take a few moments of silence.
7. Move Mindfully
If your movement practice typically consists of high intensity exercise you may want to consider practices that are a bit softer, slower, more grounding. Consider adding a restorative practice into your routine. Go hiking and reconnect. If you practice yoga, slow down your movements and bring awareness into each posture. Incorporate grounding postures that activate apana vayu, the descending pranic force, to increase stability and promote elimination.