Wake Up Early: The First Step in an Ayurvedic Morning Routine

Here are its most salient features: WAKE UP EARLY It is beneficial to wake up before the sun rises. At this time of the morning, pure qualities are lively in nature, which can bring freshness to the doors of perception and peace of mind. Ideally, vata people should get up at about 6 ., pitta people by 5:30, and kapha people A.M by 4:30. This is the ideal: do the best you can.

If you can wake up at 5:30, it will be very good. Right after awakening, look at your hands for a few moments, then gently move them over your face, neck, and chest down to your waist. This will bring more alertness. SAY A PRAYER It is good to start the day by remembering the Divine Reality that is our life.

You may do this in your own way, as your religion or personal experience dictates. Or you may use this simple prayer: Dear God, you are inside of me Within my very breath Within each bird, each mighty mountain. Your sweet touch reaches everything and I am well protected. Thank you God for this beautiful day before me.

May joy, love, peace, and compassion be part of my life and all those around me on this day. I am healing and I am healed. WASH YOUR FACE, MOUTH, AND EYES Splash your face with cold water a couple of times. Swish and rinse out your mouth.

Then wash your eyes with cool water, and massage the eyelids by gently rubbing them. Blink your eyes seven times, and then rotate your eyes in all directions: side to side, up and down, diagonally, clockwise, and counterclockwise. All this will help you feel alert and fresh. (See “Eyes—Ayurvedic Care” in Part III for more on eye exercises and eye washes.) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER Drink a glass of room-temperature water, preferably from a pure copper cup or tumbler.