Dhanteras is the first day of the Hindu celebration of Diwali. It is a day that celebrants and devotees pray and give offerings to Lakshmi, the goddess of all types of wealth. It is believed to be an ideal time to invest or make large purchases, as Lakshmi will bless your investments and make them profitable.
Those who practice Ayurveda celebrate Dhanvantari on this day. Dhanvantari is the god of medicine, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is the father, or creator, of Ayurveda and personally instructed the ancient sages in these arts. These medical arts have been passed down through the centuries. Today, there is a resurgence of interest in Ayurveda, as well as in other “traditional” healing arts. Even in India, the birthplace of Ayurveda, they are celebrating National Ayurveda Day today.
For me, I find this a perfect time to evaluate my health. Looking at areas that serve me, and those that don’t. This year my challenge has been maintaining consistent sleep/wake times. I don’t work the traditional 9-5 and my work schedule often changes, so consistency can be a challenge. The more consistent one’s sleep/wake cycle is, the more it is able to attune to the natural circadian rhythms around us. We are able to fit in all our daily needs – washing, eating, exercise, meditation – with less and less struggle. For me, a consistent daily routine is all about honoring my body.
Want to find out more about the Ayurvedic recommendations for the “ideal” daily routine? Check out my workshop “Creating Dinacharya, the Ayurvedic Daily Routine” this coming Saturday, October 21, 2017. You can follow this Link to register.
In love and health,
Jai Bhagwan.