A Day in the Life of Ayurvedic Living: Harmonizing Mind, Body, and Spirit

Introduction:

Embracing Ayurveda is not just a set of practices; it's a way of life that seeks to cultivate balance and harmony in every aspect. Join us as we explore a day in the life of someone dedicated to Ayurvedic living, where mindful routines, nourishing practices, and holistic well-being take center stage.

Morning Routine:

Rise& Connect with Creator in Brahma Muhurta - before the Sun:

Rising before the sun in Brahma Muhurta (approx 1.5 hours before sunrise) helps you to deeply align with the subtle elements of prana: soma, agni and marut which are dominating the atmosphere at this time. A practitioner of Ayurveda understands the importance of aligning with nature's rhythms. As the sun gently rises, our Ayurvedic enthusiast greets the day, acknowledging the powerful spiritual qualities of the early morning we're encouraged to pray, meditate, do breathwork (pranayama), asana, chant, sing, light incense, candles or whatever you're inspired to do to connect to the God/Goddess of your own heart.

6:00 AM - "Soma Session" - Anointing Yourself with Oil

As much as possible, anoint your body with oil thru daily oil massage (abhyanga), gargling with oil / oil pulling / kevala, oil your nose (nasya), and then bathe. It'll not only build your immune system, it'll also keep your body well lubricated into old age, because afterall - drying is dying! Oiling the skin is especially important for women as we age because in our youth, we make approximately 75% of our estrogen in our skin but post-menopausal, we make nearly 100% of our estrogen in our skin. The body uses oil to make our sex hormones. Without the raw material of the oil, your estrogen level's can be challenged. Oiling the skin also bypassing the overworked modern liver and gallbladder from having to process more oil orally which gives them a break.  Ayurvedic enthusiasts also engages in oil pulling, swishing sesame or olive or coconut oil in their mouth to promote oral hygiene and provide an environment inhospitable to growth of the "bad bacteria" which create tooth decay.. Tongue scraping follows, removing toxins that may have accumulated overnight.

Breakfast:

8:00 AM - Ayurvedic Breakfast:

Breakfast is a balanced and dosha-appropriate meal. Today, our practitioner enjoys a warm bowl of spiced quinoa porridge or stewed fruits, a touch of ghee, and a sprinkle of warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

Midday Routine:

10:00 AM - Work and Mindful Breaks:

Balancing work with mindful breaks is crucial. Our Ayurvedic enthusiast incorporates short walks, deep breathing exercises, or a quick session of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to stay grounded and maintain focus.

12:00 PM OR WHENEVER HUNGRY - Ayurvedic Lunch:

Lunch is the main meal of the day, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Today's lunch includes a nourishing bowl of mung dal soup, sautéed vegetables, and a serving of basmati rice and takra to wash it down. The meal is enjoyed mindfully, without distractions.

Afternoon Routine:

3:00 PM - Herbal Tea Break or Afternoon Walk

In the afternoon, our Ayurvedic practitioner sips on a cup of herbal tea crafted with Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Ashwagandha, or Brahmi. This provides a gentle energy boost and supports mental clarity. You can also enjoy a soothing walk in nature.

Evening Routine:

6:00 PM or when hungry - Light Ayurvedic Dinner:

Dinner is light and easily digestible. Tonight's meal consists of a colorful plate of stir-fried vegetables with grains of choice, chutney, chapati, flavored with Ayurvedic spices that pacify the dominant dosha.

Lights Out:

9:00 PM - Wind Down:

As the evening progresses, our Ayurvedic practitioner starts winding down. Calming activities like Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices like a few minutes of stretching, breathing, taking a warm bath with soothing essential oils like lavender, reading spiritual books, meditation, listening to soothing music, or diffusing calming essential oils like lavender bring a sense of tranquility before sleep..

9:30 PM - Bedtime Ritual:

With the goal of going to bed by 9:30 PM or whenever tired (whichever happens first), our Ayurvedic enthusiast practices a calming bedtime routine. This includes sipping a cup of warm, spiced milk, prayers and reflecting on the day with gratitude. A short session of Nadi Shodhana helps transition into a restful sleep.

Conclusion:

Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle is a conscious choice to cultivate balance, harmony, and well-being in daily life. This day in the life of an Ayurvedic practitioner reflects the integration of ancient wisdom into modern routines, creating a tapestry of mindful practices that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Whether through mindful eating, self-care rituals, or aligning with the natural rhythms of the day, Ayurveda becomes a guiding philosophy for a life well-lived.