As we move into the new year, it’s useful to look at the habits that you would like to tweak, improve or change. In Ayurveda we see that our habits form who we are and shaping our habits is central to understanding and living Ayurveda. In the words of Lao Tzu:
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Your Habits Create the Body That You InHabit
The key to changing habits is consistency. Habits can be learned, much like training for a new skill or event. You would not expect to be able to play the piano in a concert hall if you had never practiced or learned the piano before. Similarly, it’s important to approach the habits in the same way, keep practicing and trying again and again until your life is totally aligned with the way that you want to live.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you shape your habits:
Don’t try to do too much at once.
Don’t give up at the first hurdle because the rules have been broken.
Feeling guilty or inadequate because the rules have been broken.
Don’t fall into the all or nothing trap, keep getting back up and on the horse!
Keep tuning in and listening to the little voice inside that wants to move towards health.
The Plan
The plan is simple:
Teeny tiny baby steps instead of big unachievable goals.
Make it OK to not always get it right, but to commit to learning what is stopping you from doing that which you want to do.
Commit to developing witness consciousness and curiosity rather than beating yourself up. Use observation, not determination or perspiration!
Keep getting back on the path even if there are some detours.
Commit to listening to the little voice inside.
Tiny steps can be taken to creating the Ayurvedic Lifestyle. A step in time, saves nine!
Plant a tiny seed in the right place and it will grow without coaxing - BJ Fogg
The daily routine in Ayurveda is called the dinacharya and it is a very important part of healing. The more regular and consistent we are with Ayurvedic habits, the healthier we will get. Doing a small thing regularly is much better than doing something extreme every once in a while.
So here are some Ayurvedic habits that might be useful for you to consider! They are in no particular order!
Journalling every day
Gratitude practice on rising
Scrape your tongue
Oil pulling
Use a Neti Pot each morning
Pranayama
Meditation in the morning
Wake early every day
Yoga postures - daily
Drink warm water and ginger
10,000 steps every day including a stroll after each meal (see 21)
Do a longer yoga practice 4 times a week
Eat an early, light evening meal and then nothing after that
Drink 4-6 cups of water each day
Drink golden milk at night
Take triphala each day
Have a foot massage at night
Do an evening meditation
Abhyanga or daily oil massage
Yoga Nidra once a week
Walk after meals
Eat mindfully
Stop eating at the first burp
Have a maximum of two cups of tea a day
Go caffeine-free
Go processed sugar-free
Eat fruit only for breakfast three times a week
Body brushing (once a week)
Plan the week
Plan each day the night before
Ginger, lime, and salt appetizer
Work on improving posture
60% augmenting food and 40% extractive at every meal
Reduce or eliminate leftovers
Reduce your waste
De-clutter and clear out your home
Eat at regular times
Eat a fruit breakfast sometimes
Chew thoroughly
Avoid snacking between meals
Say a mantra before meal times
Eat main meal at lunch
Choose food full of prana
Take pause and breathe - 3 times through the day
Work on witness consciousness
Eat at the table and make the room look beautiful and feel peaceful
Eat no more food than you could fit in the palms of your two hands
Keep electronics out of the bedroom and spend time disconnected
Be in bed asleep before 10 pm
Plan meals and make a shopping list
Use hand mudras
Eat seasonally
So here’s to a happy and healthy 2020! If you would like to make an appointment and create a Vegan Ayurvedic Lifestyle plan give me a shout!