The Dailies

A daily ritual, Sadhana as it is called in the yogic tradition, is an act of discipline that benefits your body and soul. I got thinking about all the “daily’s” that I did each each, and/or should do each day. Based on the repetition of doing, reading or hearing about these rituals, here’s my list of what I feel are little daily gestures that are extremely good for us and should be part of every day. (List is in no particular order of importance or hierarchy)

1. Garlic - Great for immune system and holds numerous medicinal properties.
2. Flossing - There is so much research that proves that the health of our teeth and mouth are a direct mirror to our overall health.
3. Water - Our bodies are made up of over 70% water, so naturally it is the best source of nourishment. It cleanses and supports our major organs: kidneys, liver, pancreas, and acts as hydration for our entire body including mental health. Add a little lemon to your glass in the first half of the day for additional support.
4. Gratitude (self-Love) - Tell yourself you are amazing, because you are!! Be grateful for this amazing opportunity to be breathing, living, learning, loving, and all the other incredible reasons you enjoy life, people, nature, or whatever is so important to you.
5. Laughter - “There are two things you should do every day” as says Yogi Bhajan “Laugh and sweat” (next item in this list). Experience the joy and pleasure of laughing. Make someone else laugh, do it together, or alone as a laughing meditation (yes there are laughing meditations). This helps to release stress, create feelings of wellbeing and brings focus back to enjoying life.
6. Sweating - As part of a well balanced day, make sure to do some physically challenging work or exercise for at least 10-20 minutes each day. Not only will you be helping to increase muscle mass, pump the heart, and increase stamina and endurance, you will be making sure that your body is challenged and working on all its vital parts so they don’t become “lazy” and stop functioning.
7. Kindness (to someone else) - Through helping someone cross the street, giving them your place in line, lending a listening ear before you race off to do whatever it is you need to get done, or volunteering your time to help someone in need, you will be giving yourself the selfish gift of love and being kind.
8. Learn something new - Read a book, take a class, let someone teach you a new skill, or teach yourself how to grow herbs, learn a new software, take up a musical instrument. This will be incredible to open your mind to new things and also keep your brain active.
9. Throw something out - There are so many ways you can clear out stuff you really don’t need or use anymore, and it doesn’t mean it has to go in the garbage. Donate it, Recycle it, or if need be, trash it. Make sure to keep your space clear of clutter and get rid of stuff (like plastic bags, boxes, or doubles).
10. Daydream - Visualization sends the message to your brain that you are experiencing it. The more you see something, the more the receptors of universal waves will connect to you and make it happen. Daydreaming also helps us get out of doldrums that happen with day in day out routine.
11. Rest/Siesta - Take a nap. Yes, anytime. Make it 20 minutes if you can since this is the magic number that science shows is optimal time to bring the parasympathetic nervous system back to the perfect balance with the sympathetic nervous system. This means 20 minutes of deep conscious rest or sleep will leave you ready and wanting to keep moving in whatever speed you need for the rest of the day (or at least until you need another 20 minutes!).
12. Mindfulness - This means different things to different people depending on what one might have read, learnt with a teacher or instinctually. However it applies to you, if there is a time in your day that feels like you have completely lost control, or feel overly emotional, or just don’t know why this or that happened, or when something amazing catches your attention, STOP, Take a breath, Stand or Sit, Close your eyes or relax the eyelids slightly, and listen to your Heart. Bringing yourself to the speed of your own heart will lift you and leave you feeling like everything is just fine.