THE MORNING ROUTINE - DINACHARYA

A morning routine is a yoga secret. Try out some of these suggestions this week.

1. Rise with the Sun

Ayurveda teaches us it is good to wake up before the sun rises when the world is quiet. Sunrise varies according to the seasons, but on average vata people should get up about 6 a.m., pitta people by 5:30 a.m., and kapha by 4:30 a.m.

2. Start with Gratitude

Before getting out of bed linger a moment. On each finger of both hands list 10 things you are grateful for today.

3. Cleanse

Start the day by splashing your face or misting with Rose water.

Scrape your Tongue

Gently scrape the tongue from the back forward. This stimulates the internal organs, helps digestion, and removes dead bacteria.

Oil Pull

Then use an Oil Swish to rinse out your teeth and gums.

Rinse your Eyes

Depending on the Season you might like to give your Eyes a Bath in floral water as well.

4. Drink Warm Water in the Morning

Feel free to add lemon or lime squeeze as well.

5. Clean your Teeth

Always use a soft toothbrush and an astringent, pungent, and bitter toothpaste or powder. The traditional Indian toothbrush is a neem stick, which dislodges fine food particles from between teeth and makes strong, healthy gums. Licorice root sticks are also used. Roasted almond shell powder can be used for vata and kapha, and ground neem for pitta.

6. Morning Pages

Morning pages are three pages of long hand writing first thing every morning. Don’t censor or try to be poetic. Just write down everything on your mind. Notice what happens at a page and a half.

7. Apply Oil to the Head & Body (Abhyanga)

Rub warm oil over the head and body. Gentle, daily oil massage of the scalp can bring happiness, as well as prevent headache, baldness, graying, and receding hairline. Oiling your body before bedtime will help induce sound sleep and keep the skin soft.

For vata use warm sesame oil.
For pitta use warm sunflower or coconut oil.
For kapha use warm sunflower or mustard oil.

8. Bathe

Bathing is cleansing and refreshing. A shower or a bath will stimulate your skin and mind for the day ahead. if you’ve never tried bathing BEFORE your workout give it a try!

9. Move

Regular exercise, especially yoga, improves circulation, strength, and endurance. It helps one relax and have sound sleep, and improves digestion and elimination.

10. Breathe

Pay attention to your breath. Try this pranayama technique known as Box Breath: : Breathe in for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Breath out for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Repeat four times.

11. Meditate

It is helpful to start your day in silence. Begin with 5 minutes and increase slowly to 20. An app like the Insight meditation timer works well. You can also learn traditional TM from a Transcendental Meditation teacher.

12. Now it is time for your breakfast!

Your meal should be light in the hot months or if your agni is low, and more substantial in the cold. Enjoy your day!