Read part one of this series here: Setting Routines to Calm the Mind’s Chaos: an Ayurvedic Perspective.

Read part two of this series here: Setting Routines with Food: an Ayurvedic Perspective.

Ayurveda is the science of life and goes back approximately 5,000 years, arising from the ancient Vedic studies.

Ayurveda looks at humans as not only physical beings, but holistically—as physical, mental, all five senses, and spirit.

There are numerous components to this study of Ayurvedic history, philosophy, psychology, nutrition, lifestyle, daily routines, and seasonal routines.

This four-part series is to succinctly address the three components of food (ahar), lifestyle (vihar) and daily routines (dinacharya).

This discourse is specific to lifestyle (vihar) and how we choose how we will act within ourselves and with others, our attitudes, what we choose to do and not do. Healthy choices guide us to good health and balance in the body, mind, and spirit, and leads to overall well-being. That includes our interactions with other sentient beings, both human and nonhuman.

Here are a few lifestyle ideas:

>> connect with nature, we are part of her

>> get outside and walk, run, jump, climb trees, play

>> go barefoot and ground with Momma Earth

>> grow a garden…hands in the soil

>> skinny dip in the lake (I added that one)

>> sing, paint, sculpt, write a poem

>> read a book—write a book

>> wake up refreshed after a good night’s sleep

>> have a positive, kind, compassionate attitude

>> be of service to others

>> volunteer—animal shelter, food bank, hospice

>> be a birth doula…death doula

>> move your body and in a variety of ways

>> be a lifelong learner and try new ideas

>> have a purpose only you choose and live it with zest

>> meditate, pray, and or chant

>> connect with others and socialize

>> give a complement—share a smile

>> connect with spirit

>> create boundaries where needed

>> learn to be an active listener, it is a learned skill

>> listen to those you do not agree with and hear their side without judgement and argument

>> learn to express your needs and opinions in a thoughtful manner

>> realize not everyone will agree with you and that’s okay

>> do not smoke, it’s smelly and affects folks nearby

>> refrain from vaping

>> limit or let go of alcohol and drink responsibly if you do engage

These are only a few, and several will tie in with part four where we venture more deeply with daily routines.

Ready to feel alive, joyful, healthy, passionate, and filled with love? Put on your oxygen mask first and dive in.

Read part one of this series here: Setting Routines to Calm the Mind’s Chaos: an Ayurvedic Perspective.

Read part two of this series here: Setting Routines with Food: an Ayurvedic Perspective.

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