Guest post by Hilary Garivaltis, one of the most recognized ayurvedic health counselors in the United States. She is the founder and former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. She received her training at the New England Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine with advanced training in India from the Rishikesh College of Ayurveda and the Jiva Institute. We are privileged to have Hilary join Wilmington Yoga Center for a three week long Kunga Yoga + Ayurveda 300hr Yoga Training Retreat June 14th – July 3rd in Carolina Beach.
Dinacharya means daily routine. Daily habits and routines can be both sources of strength or weakness in our lives. If we cultivate strong and healthy routines, we in turn will be strong and healthy. Likewise, routines that diminish our energy and health will hold similar side effects on our lives.
“Wise people who desire happiness in this world and the next, should make great efforts in practicing wholesomeness of diet, conduct, and actions.Daily routines are guided by the natural rhythms of nature. We are connected to these rhythms from birth. The flow of day and night guide our biological rhythms of sleep, digestion, elimination, physical activity, etc. The body is considered the microcosm of the macrocosm of the natural world around us. We flow with the sun through its rising in the morning to its setting in the evening. The moon also influences our rhythms and cycles. People of indigenous cultures who live close to the land understand these cycles and forces directly. The manipulation of temperature and light within buildings [of the modern world] creates a false sense of the season and/or climate we may actually be living in. We shade our windows to avoid the morning sun. We extend our daylight through electric lights. The farther we get away from these rhythms, the more out of touch we become with our own nature and supportive rhythms.”
– Ashtanga Hridaya
When we notice imbalances in our bodies, we must first examine our solid and regular routines. In Ayurveda, we believe that 80% of our health issues can be resolved by adjusting our daily routines to their natural place.
Healthy Daily Routines
The body is an amazing machine that works to process our food, build new tissue, repair damaged tissue and eliminate waste materials. This is happening all day long, but the bulk of the repair and cleansing work is done while we are fast asleep, such as purifying the blood and building new blood as just one example. That is why we may notice a coating on the tongue in the morning and when our largest bowel movement usually occurs.
Thus, the morning hours are critical for natural cleansing.
Morning Routines
• Rise at or before the sunrise
• Relieve the bowels and bladder
• Cleanse the mouth and teeth
• Scrape the tongue
• Drink a full cup of hot water
• Do gentle stretching or yoga
• Do gentle pra??ayama
• Meditate
• Do more vigorous exercise if possible
• Bathe
• Oil massage the body
• Breakfast
The morning routine sets the tone and flow for the day. Taking the extra time to accomplish these rituals will serve you well and help you to maintain a healthy life.
Mid-day Routines
• Take a 30-60 minute lunch break
• Eat your largest meal of the day
• Rest for 5-10 minutes on your left side
• Take a 15-30 minute gentle walk
• Return to work or leisure activities
Taking the time to relax around the lunch meal and ease back into activity will help the body properly digest the food and provide excellent energy to finish out the rest of the day. As a result of a hurried meal, your body will poorly digest the meal, which will consequently compromise the production of good bodily tissues
Evening Routines
• Meditation around sunset
• Gentle exercise or asana if needed
• Lighter meal between 5-7 pm
• Relax and wind down, avoid excessive stimulation
• Massage feet and head with oil to aid in a good nights sleep
• Gentle pranayama
• Bed between 9-11 pm
Learn to live simply. Practice daily meditation. Immerse yourself in an experience designed to calm the mind, destress, and create an in-depth experience of yoga and Ayurvedic wellness practices for daily living. Join the most recognized Ayurvedic Health Counselor in the US–Hilary Garivaltis, founder, and former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda–in Carolina Beach for a life-changing yoga teacher training retreat with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Training includes most meals. Click below to find out more!
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