In just a few days 2013 arrives. Maybe like most people, you no longer make New Year’s Resolutions. But, maybe this year you just might want to! What if I told you that by following a simple daily routine, you would not only feel nurtured and nourished, but also that this routine which takes about 20 minutes each morning could possibly keep you balanced all day and maybe even build your immune system. Would you be the least bit curious….maybe give it a try?

The routine is called Dinacharya. Ah yes, my students of Ayurveda, you already knew this. For those of you who haven’t been in my yoga, Pilates, or spin class in the last year or with me on the training floor (not naming names, Audrey), you may not be aware of this very special daily routine (din-daily, charya-practice wisdom through routine). This ritual or routine establishes balance in your day. The best thing is that no matter where you are, Dallas or Aspen, at home or in a hotel, you can start your day in a way that will set the tone for the rest of it. Just like any habit that you establish, consistency in the beginning is important. Thank you to my teacher Kathryn Templeton for so eloquently describing this ancient practice:

1.) Wake up before the sun rises. Not too hard these days. If you have to wake up with an alarm, make it soothing.

2.) Say a little prayer before leaving bed. This could be an affirmation, or even run through what your perfect day might look like.

3.) Scrape your tongue to remove ama (that white stuff on your tongue) and stimulate digestion.

4.) Neti Pot (instructions to follow in the next blog) this will clear the sinuses but also the fog and leave you with a clear mind.

5.) Use nasya oil to lubricate the nasal tissues, decreasing congestion, calming and clearing the senses.

6.) Drink room temperature or warm water in the morning. You can add raw honey and lemon or lime to the warm water.

7.) Evacuation: drinking water and sitting on the toilet at the same time of day helps to regulate bowel movements.

8.) Skin brushing: use a firm bristle body brush (you can get these at Whole Foods) and brush your entire body. At first this is a little uncomfortable as the skin is sensitive, but you will find that it leaves your skin feeling exhilarating and alive. It removes dead skin cells and stimulates circulation.

9.) Abyhanga: Place a bottle of triphala oil in a container of hot water and let it warm. Place a towel on the floor under you to catch drips. Massage your hands first to energize them and then start from the head massaging the scalp in circular motions including the temples and forehead. Gently rub the face, kneading the neck up and down. Massage the throat in an upward direction only. For the arms and legs, massage up and down the length of them. Use circular motions around all joints including shoulders, elbows and ankles. Use a clockwise direction to massage the chest, breasts and abdomen. Massage hips, buttocks and then the feet, spending a little more time here working between the toes, the arch and the heels.

10.) Yoga and Meditation

If this looks like a lot of things to do each morning, think about it. You probably already do a few of these already. If adding the rest is just too much, no worries, add a couple of new steps each week until you are practicing them all.

Having been in the fitness and personal training business for so long, I know that New Year’s resolutions that have to do with health and fitness only last if you see immediate results. The great thing about Dinacharya is that you will feel a sense of balance, even after the first day. You will love how it feels to be “mini-cleansed” each morning, and will start to look forward to this sense of calm and nourishment.

I know the gift giving season is over and you probably received many wonderful things, but maybe you didn’t think to put “Be Balanced” on your Holiday list. When it comes to nurturing, it is never too late. In fact, the gift of balance is even the kind of gift that could be re-gifted!!! Yes, know anyone that could use a little balance? Please re-gift this blog—it may just be what they really wanted!

2013 is the year you have been waiting for. The year you will do the things you want to do and feel good doing them. There will not be fear or excuses, only joy and gratitude. Be courageous, be strong, and be happy. Buy yourself (or someone else) flowers. Sing. Live your dharma.

Rock On!