Marigold Mornings
(as featured in “The Heart is Nomadic” a publication from ROAM Yoga & Wellness)
Routine creates rhythm. It sends a clear vibrational message to the cosmos of what is important...what is cherished. Starting the day with intention through nourishing rituals sets the tone for a day filled with grounded energy. The word for this practice in Ayurveda is “Dinacharya”.
In my experience, I have found that the mornings I choose carve out time for routine and ritual, end up unfolding into a day of complete magic. I call these “marigold mornings”...inspired by the marigold offerings scattered around the enchanted island of Bali. Dincharya feels like an offering made to yourself- mind, body, and soul.
When starting something new, instead of trying it all at once, start slowly with one or two things at a time. Allow the organic changes of what feels good to happen. This is what will make it sustainable and not just a whim. It also helps to gather everything you’ll need ahead of time, maybe even the night before.
With that being said, here is my current morning routine. It’s a work in progress and stays flexible to the moment. We all have those days where things start off differently or not as “picture perfect”. It’s all a practice and we must remember to be gentle with ourselves.
Awaken at sunrise. Take a few moments while laying in bed to offer gratitude for a new day. I love to say the simple prayer of “Thank you for another day of living and loving.”.
Head over to the bathroom sink to splash your face and rinse your mouth out with cool water. Use an eye-wash to clean and refresh your eyes. My favorite company for this, as well as many Ayurvedic products, is www.paavani ayurveda.com. Be sure to check them out.
Drink some room temperature water, adding a squeeze of lemon if you’d like. This will get your digestion going and is super beneficial to your whole body.
Returning to the bathroom sink, use a scraper or spoon to scrape your tongue at least 7 times, back to front. Each time you scrape, you’ll probably find white/yellow slime - in Ayurveda, this is a sign of something called “ama”. Be sure to rinse the scraper often. It may take some getting used to. I’ve been doing this for a while and honestly still sometimes gag myself. Now that your tongue is clean, brush, floss, and then oil pull. For oil pulling, you’ll want to put a decent amount of sesame oil into your mouth and swish around for at least a minute or two. Do not swallow this oil as it is pulling out bacteria from your gums and teeth. Instead, spit it into a garbage can (oils can clog the sink) and then rinse any excess oil in your mouth out with some warm water.
Ok, now it’s time for one of my most favorite parts of the morning- abhyanga. Basically this is a self-massage with oil. There are many types of oil that can be used depending on the season and/ your dosha. Check out the Paavani Site (www.paavaniayurveda.com) or Banyan Botanicals for more details. An important tip that I’ve learned is to warm the oil. You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just put the oil in a mason jar (with a lid) and let it sit in the sink with warm water for a few minutes. Believe me- it makes a huge difference. While you are waiting for it to warm, set a towel underneath where you will be sitting/standing, light a candle, find your favorite morning music to play….basically set the mood for a sacred time with your beautiful body.. Once you’ve gotten everything set, hold the container and center yourself. I love to begin by dipping my fingers in the oil and touching each chakra energy point. From there, slather it all over your body. Begin at the top and work your way down. Let it feel really good. Once you get to your feet, check in if there’s any area that needs a little extra love. You can choose to now rinse off in a warm shower or sit for a few minutes in meditation before showering. Either way, the oils will soak into your skin and leave you feeling completely nurtured.
After showering, choose what works for you. If you’ve got additional time built into your morning, maybe a yoga practice followed by breathwork, meditation, and breakfast would feel nice. If you have to head out the door, see if you can find time later in the day for moving your body, tuning into your breath, and meditating.
One last thing that I highly recommend as a part of your morning routine is to have a mindful breakfast. I have a deeply set habit of eating in the car….whether on the way to work or just because I can’t wait until I get home to eat for some reason. In Ayurveda, this is considered a very vata aggravating practice. If it’s possible, find the time to enjoy your food/coffee/tea at a table or counter instead of in your car or in front of the TV. It will make all the difference and the effects will speak for themselves.
Here’s to many marigold mornings….