Routine and the Rhythms of Nature
““Those who do not find time everyday for health must one day sacrifice a lot of time for illness.” ”
Just as the seasons shift; just as the moon swells to fullness then wanes again; just as day becomes night, light becomes dark and then becomes light again – everything is evolving. Change is constant. Movement is inevitable. Impermanence is truth. It is understandable within this constancy of change that we try to resist it. In doing so, however, we often lose our sense of sacredness and forget that we are a part of nature. A lack of change and movement can bring about disease. Inability to adjust, adapt, grow, and be a part of the ever-changing flow of life invites disease to settle into our minds, emotions, and bodies. When we stop resisting change, we are able to find harmony with the reality of the present moment, and harmony with the rhythms of nature.
In the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda, a daily routine, or Dinacharya, is necessary in order to bring about balance in one’s body, mind, and consciousness. Daily routine is a way of living in harmony with nature; it is an art and practice that helps align our biological clock – the invisible inner clock located in the hypothalamus and in each of our cells - with the chronological clock expressed in nature and the cosmos. To experience lasting peace, health, and longevity, our biological time needs to be in harmony with the chronological time of nature.
Because time is change, movement, and impermanence, it is also a great healer. Daily routine helps us to utilize time in a proper way – waking, eating, exercising, and resting at the appropriate times, in a way that is appropriate for the season. So long as each action within our routine is done with awareness, we are able to utilize our time well, thus unfolding the secrets of healing the body, mind, and consciousness.
Routine helps us to find grounding within the constant change, and although routine is consistent, it is not rigid. The arrival of autumn is a great time to take stock, and to make adjustments to our daily rhythm in order to better align them with nature.
Some adjustments I begin to consider as we move into fall include:
Shifting from raw and cooling fruits and vegetables, to steamed vegetables, healthy fats, and grounding soups.
Sleeping more.
Applying warming, grounding body oils before showers and baths, such as sesame oil.
Incorporating herbs and spices that support digestion and are generally more warming, such as ginger, licorice, coriander, and fennel.
Fall is a time of harvest and abundance. During this season especially, I like to spend a few minutes each day taking deep breaths and cultivating gratitude for the gifts in my life. (Practicing gratitude is also supportive for the immune system!)
Take a moment to reflect on your life, and ask: Is my daily routine optimally serving my health as we enter this fall season? Could I alter my sleep habits, eating schedule, diet, or exercise routine to better support my wellness? Might there be a way to invite more reverence, presence, gratitude, and ritual into my days?
If you would like support in creating a daily routine that brings about a deeper sense of health, vitality, and peace, I’m happy to help.
Wishing you the best this fall season,
Dr. Lisa Hendrick