Cycles are constant. Day to night, winter to spring, summer to fall. Year to year, decade to decade, lifetime to lifetime. The world is constantly in flow and so are our biorhythms.
Most people understand the concept of a circadian rhythm – the sleep-wake cycle that is regulated by the rising and setting of the sun and moon, nutritional intake and your hormones.
Women also feel a biological rhythm in their menstrual cycles, which can regulate or deregulate from forces such as lunar cycles, food, spending time with other women, stress patterns and hormonal shifts.
We would be limiting our knowledge of ourselves if we believed these were the only cycles to which our bodies attuned. Every moment of everyday our entire state of being is working to adjust itself to a myriad of factors that influence it all the time.
Known narrowly in Western medicine as maintaining “homeostasis” – or a steady state of internal, physical and chemical conditions – holistic healing broadens our perspective of this essential human experience and teaches us to live in rhythm during internal and external cycles of change so as to maximize wellbeing in mind, body and spirit.
Ayurvedic Rhythms
Ayurvedic medicine and lifestyle practices teach us that our bodies are constantly flowing through the doshas, or elemental forces that exist in all living things. If the body is patterned to the forces of nature, stress and sustenance, then our daily, seasonal and lifetime practices should be as well.
“Living in rhythm” means attuning to your needs on a daily, seasonal, and cyclical basis. This means honoring ultradian rhythms – or the 24-hour physiological patterns your body must maintain in order to operate properly – and adjusting lifestyle and nutritional needs during seasonal shifts, as well as creating boundaries that support life cycles.
The good news is that your body is exceptionally resilient and will mostly work to keep you in tune. When you become sick, depleted, fatigued, imbalanced or diseased, the body is sending you signals that you are out of tune and potentially pushing yourself into a state of disrepair.
Ayurveda teaches us to read our rhythms better so that we can avoid states of imbalance before they happen. When we learn to tune in, we become aware of what brings us harmony and what brings us disease.
The Truth
Some people naturally live in rhythm. With burgeoning rates of chronic disease, most of which are intrinsically linked to physical and psychological stress, we must assume that most push through or ignore signs of biological malfunction in favor of anything other than personal health and wellbeing.
“I just need to make it through another day.”
“Too many people are depending on me.”
“Health and wellbeing can’t be a priority when there is so much chaos around me.”
“I simply don’t have time or energy to take care of myself.”
“I’ll sleep when I die.”
The mindless noise of the modern world can also make it impossible to tune into oneself. And, many fear tuning into their internal rhythms because it’s a difficult place to go – you might not like the message you receive.
Health and wellbeing changes are very hard to commit to on your own (evidenced by famously failed New Year’s resolutions), which is why it is so important to focus on small changes first and to work with a professional who can guide you on the right path for you.
Starting Small
New cycles include the sunrise & sunset; sleeping and waking; winter, spring, summer and fall; a new year; new decade or new millennia. Most importantly, your next breath is the best new cycle you can take advantage of right now.
Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be.
Breath Practice – Living in Rhythm (click here to access the audio meditation)
- Lower your gaze and place your hand on your chest.
- Notice your breath.
- Is it fast or slow?
- Deep in your belly or shallow in your chest?
- Does it sound loud or soft?
- Now, tune into how you are actually feeling.
- Tired or energized?
- Anxious or calm?
- Distracted or focused?
- What feelings are most prevalent for you right now?
- Now, adjust your breath accordingly:
- Deepen, lengthen, slow down.
- Extend your inhales or your exhales.
- Let the breath align to what feels right for you at this moment.
Congratulations, this was one small step toward beginning to live in rhythm.
Client Testimonial
Since working with Kirsten, I’ve learned so many tools for how to listen to my body and identify what it needs to feel its best through the fluctuations of day to day life. My anxiety has decreased considerably and even when challenges arise today, I know that I have the tools and skills to get myself back on track. – Lauren E.
Ready to start living in rhythm? Or, to fine-tune your current rhythmic flow for better wellbeing in mind, body and spirit? Contact us at Path Wellbeing today.
Article by Kirsten Ahern, M.A., Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, E-RYT 200 & RYT 500, Marma Therapist and Founder of Path Wellbeing. Book a FREE 15 Minute Consult with Kirsten today!
The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace the direct advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a medical or other professional healthcare provider when considering a new health regime.
