Bedtime Routine For Pitta Season
Summertime is in full swing here in the United States, and that means we are in the height of Pitta Season. In Ayurveda, the seasons are broken down into three times of the year.
Vata: Mid- September to January
These are the light, dry and windy months, think of it as Air and Ether elements.
Kapha: January to Mid-May
These are the cold, wet, heavy months, think Earthy and Water elements.
Pitta: Mid-May to Mid-September
These are the hot, humid, and steamy months, think of the elements as Fire and a little Water.
Pitta, when balanced, is a stunning force. It can be the reason that projects are finished, marathons achieved, and grand ideas birthed. Pitta is responsible for that natural drive or the fire within. With all things in life, balance is key. Dosha is our elemental makeup, and we all have our individual combo of doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When it comes to our Pitta dosha, we already know we need to balance our homes, our clothing, even our beverages to keep us comfortable in these warmer months. What we don’t often speak about is the aggressive nature that can come about from too much fire within or the burnout from going too hard for too long. Think too much exercise, overwork, and exhaustion in terms of the heat within ourselves. Our bodies are often more in-tune than our minds, so the body will send us warnings to “step off the gas!” We tend not to listen until we hit a wall.
So as we go into our hottest month, August, I want to share some Ayurvedic tips for keeping your Pitta side balanced. This is especially helpful for those who feel that it is hard to stop and take some time to just pause. Give yourself a rest in some peaceful stillness and enjoy summer’s rays of sunshine.
Bedtime Routine for Pitta
Set the Mood
Dim the lights or sit under the moon and stars check in with your self. Just acknowledge how you feel. Don’t judge yourself just observe.
Essential oils or Fresh
To create a cooling effect use Sandalwood, Jasmine, or Mint in your preferred diffuser. Or for a fresh approach, sit with one or all three of these fresh pieces from the earth. Allow your senses to take it in. I would not recommend burning of any sort. Keep your atmosphere clear of any excess heat.
Meditation
Lay down with your back on the floor or earth. Prop your feet up on on a chair or wall. Give yourself permission to let go, no need to work, and use the effortlessness of relaxing to be your guide. If pregnant or with low back trouble, prop something in between your legs and lay down on your side letting gravity help you release.
Mantra
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Peace of the Mind, Peace in Speech, & Peace of the Physical Body
The Mantra Om Shanti is about peace. When we recite these words we remind ourselves to create peace for all including ourselves.
Give Yourself Time
Most importantly make this something sacred for you. There is no need to rush—let go of multitasking and try to keep these simple steps as a routine. We are in a time where we are inundated with constant stimulation. Why not make a conscious decision to turn off some of the noise when you can? Include your family if that helps you find stillness. As a mom I know how difficult this can seem. I try to incorporate my family into new routines when possible and when it is well suited for them. I have learned that we all benefit from the quiet time as our busy day comes to an end.
