Breathe

Each morning I practice conscience breathing.
I greet the day with gratitude and a deep breath.
I release negativity as I exhale.

I am aware that my resting breathing is shallow.
Off and on during the day I will stop and take a few deep breaths.
I fill my lungs and enjoy the oxygen rush!

As I exhale I think of all the impurities I am releasing.

I inhale and hold my breathe for a count of five.
I exhale for a count of ten.

Conscience breathing is good for digestion.

Water

When I stayed at the Raj I was given a folder with lots of information in it.
The handout about water is very interesting.

Water Facts



Experts recommend our daily intake of water should be half our body weight in ounces
( 140 pounds = 70 ounces).

Lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory,
trouble with basic math, difficulty focusing on the computer screen.


In 37% of Americans the body's thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.


I am good on drinking my water each day.
I trained myself years ago to make sure I stay hydrated.
I have a filter system on my kitchen tap so I am drinking filtered water.
I have a stainless steel water canteen I carry when I run errands.
No plastic bottles!

In the Ayurveda way we are to drink our water room temperature
or warm. No iced or cold water. Cold drinks are difficult for digestion.
I became used to this while I was away.
My program also includes lemons in my water which I really enjoy.

I also am to drink 6 cups of barley water every day.

According to the Raj
barley water is my great friend in the weight loss process.

Barley water:

*Satisfies hunger
*Reduces cravings
*Extracts toxins from deep within the tissues
*Eliminates toxins through the urinary tract
*Is diuretic
*Relieves fluid retention
*Balance Kapha
*Helps metabolize and eliminate fat
*Promotes weight loss

Note: Do not drink after 6pm to avoid disturbing sleep due to the diuretic effect.

Recipe: Boil one handful of whole grain (not "pealed") barley in 6 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain the barley out and pour the water into a thermos. Drink the water through out the day.

I pour mine into a pitcher.

Some people need rice water.
It is high in nutrition.

Not on my plan.

This morning it is cold and rainy.
It is dark and dreary.
I decided to do up a tray for myself.
Something pretty for my water.
I started off my morning with refreshing lemon water. Good for elimination.
Once the barley water cooled I began drinking it.
I use a glass drinking straw.
By lunch time I was back drinking lemon water.

This morning I lit my candle and sent blessings to those who are thirsty.
I gave thanks for my water.

The Day Starts the Night Before

In Ayurveda there is a saying,
"The day starts the night before."
A good night's rest makes for a good next day.

It is suggested to go to bed during Kapha time, before 10 pm, and arise before 6am, in Vata time. By giving our bodies this 8 hour rest period we are giving our bodies the best opportunity for daily rejuvenation. Sleeping during Pitta time, 10pm-2am, is sleeping during the best time for our metabolism to clean the body of toxins and impurities.
I remember, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."
I like getting up with the birds. Going to bed "on time" has taken me awhile to adjust to.



I have been working on getting the bedroom as pleasant as possible.
I ordered two sets of organic bamboo sheets. They are soft and comfortable. I also found a silk blanket that is warm and not too heavy. I am thinking about ordering a Spring nightgown and robe set. Keeping my night dress comfortable and pretty is one way to get me to get ready for bed early! I like this company. I like their oragnic products and their commitment to fair trade. Gaiam Living often inspires me!

I have cleaned and scrubbed and organized the bedroom. It is one of my favorite rooms now. I almost always have a flower on my night stand and some lavender under my pillow.We set up the night stands with reading lamps. My husband set up a small cd player on the lower shelf of one of the nightstands. We listen to music and read each night before shutting off the lights. I look forward to getting ready for bed. I love our daily down time.

To make my breakfast easier I bought a small, 1.5 quart, slow cooker.
My breakfast is a cooked apple or cooked pear. I get this ready the night before. I just wash my fruit piece, add a handful of raisins and a cinnamon stick, cover with water. When My husband gets up he turns the cooker on high. My fruit is ready in a couple of hours. This is so easy and I look forward to breakfast every morning now.

I am supposed to have a cup of tea first thing each morning. Waiting on the kettle was a bother. I bought two carafes, one for hot water and one for coffee.
Before I go to bed each night I boil up some water and fill the silver carafe. It is still hot in the morning. My husband leaves me a cup of hot coffee in the black stainless steel carafe.
I am learning how to enjoy getting ready for bed and the next morning.

I receive a news letter every month called, Namaste.

It is written by Deepah Chopra. This month it is about Doshas and the Ayruveda Way.

Do you have a night time routine? Do you have a bed time?

Learning the way

Three years ago I bought a book.
I began learning about the Ayurveda life style.



In March I went to the Raj for a
Spring Rejuvenation.



I bought a cook book while I was there.

I made the commitment to live this beautiful way of life.

There is lots to learn.

May we learn together.