Just as with all sentient creatures, human beings, with our physical and mental designs, our bodies and brains mean one thing. That we were intended to perceive and follow the secret rhythms and laws of Nature as we observed and interacted with them. First of all, our Circadian rhythms echo the standard 24 hour day and align to a daily cycle. Shifting from the early hours of the morning into the afternoon and finally from evening until night
The Rhythms and Cycles of Nature
First of all, our Circadian rhythms echo the standard 24 hour day and align to a daily cycle. Shifting from the early hours of the morning into the afternoon and finally from evening until night. Our bodies and minds are also influenced by a monthly cycle, which is the lunar cycle of the moon. It is this cycle that governs and affects the oceanic tidal rhythm. People often dismiss the possible effects the lunar cycle can have on our bodies and doshas, forgetting that we as humans, beings made up of 60% water.
The Secret Rhythm and Cycle
Finally, there is a seasonal rhythm and cycle we are also affected by, this yearly cycle comprising of 12 months. When we are healthy, aware and pay attention to our bodies, we can notice their reactions to the various cycles of day and night. The lunar cycles created by the phases of the moon, along with the seasonal effects of the 12-month regular cycle. Besides all these known cycles, there is one that is not common knowledge. Within Ayurveda, there is a daily doshic cycle, that has an equal effect on each of the Doshas.
The Daily Dorshic Cycles
The Daily Dosha Cycles
The affiliated qualities of each dosha are more potent at specific times of the day. These rhythms and cycles are the same for all our doshas and run in a sequence as follows:
Vata Times: 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.to 6 p.m.
Pitta Times: 10 am to 2 pm, and 10 pm to 2 am.
Kappa Times: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Rythym of A Daily Dorshic Routine
Taking this information into consideration, here is an example of a routine based on the daily dorshic cycle.
A routine based on the daily dorshic cycle.
Kappa Time (6 am to 10 am) – Try to wake up at 6 am with no alarm. It takes practice but soon becomes a habit, sleeping with one east facing curtain, or blind open helps. Perform your morning cleansing routine and then move onto an exercise of your choice. Kappa time is a brilliant time to engage in rhythm and movement; be it yoga, the treadmill, swimming etc. Do this for 30 to 45 minutes or whichever feels comfortable, once your physical activity has completed, both your mind and body should feel alert.
Making this the ideal time for a morning meditation, perform your morning meditation, whenever possible, facing east ( towards the rising sun.) Once you have completed your meditation, it is time to eat your breakfast; when you feel hungry and begin your daily activities.
*Pitta Time (10 a.m to 2 p.m) while working through your daily activities, you should eat the most nutrient dense meal for the day around 1 pm, this is the best time to consume protein. Once you have finished your meal, rest for a few minutes to enable your food to start the process of digestion. After a few minutes of rest, take a brief stroll to help begin digestion.
*Vata Time (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) The nutrient-rich meal consumed during Pitta time should ensure you have abundant energy that will support your Vata. Providing plenty of power for hard work, to be creative and perform your daily tasks and errands. Once you have completed these now is the ideal time to get into the rhythm of a second meditation. When dusks begin to fall meditate facing North for its cooling calming energy.
