Break Free From Your Routines

Transitioning from winter to spring is a time of emergence; we slowly unfurl from our cocoons and re-enter the outside world. Our little nest has been safe and warm (especially this past year) and anything outside our normal daily routines can seem a little daunting. Let’s start small as we emerge back into society.

Let’s talk about routines.

Routines are one of the most revered practices of Ayurveda. They create grounding stability and allow us to have balance in our lives. However, if we hold onto our routines too tightly we can become stuck, stagnant, and unable to change. The most likely time for this to happen is during the Spring months when Kapha is at its most active. The qualities of springtime and the kapha dosha are heavy, stagnant, sluggish, and slow. During this time, we may have the tendency to resist change and cling to the unknown. Ironically, it is important that we counterbalance this with consciously stepping out of the routines we worked so hard to build during the winter months. In An Ayurvedic Path Oracle Deck, we designated a card specifically to this practice: Step Outside of Routine.

Is there something you have never done but have always wanted to? Make a list of things you wish to explore - don’t use logic as you get these ideas out, just let them flow. Once you are done free-flowing, choose a few to try out this month!

One of the biggest reasons we don’t try new things is because we are afraid - afraid of the unknown, afraid of feeling awkward, or afraid of failure. By putting ourselves in unfamiliar situations we are faced with uncertainty. Sometimes, the most beneficial part of stepping outside of our comfort zones is the actual act of moving through our fears. By embracing new things and stretching our preconceived limits, we gain inner strength and confidence. Begin where you can and get excited about the adventures yet to come as you shed your caterpillar body and grow into your beautiful wings!

My top picks after free-flowing:

• Attend a comedy show

• Take myself on a small roadtrip

• Watch the sunrise

• Rock climb

• Ecstatic dance

• Go to the drive-in

You don’t have to limit this practice to “big” activities either - it can be simple! Jog instead of walk, call a friend instead of scrolling through social media, read instead of watch T.V., go to outdoor yoga instead of taking a class online. This year was scary, and after so long cooped up inside it can seem weird and uncomfortable to transition to our “normal” lives. Remember, you don’t have to go back to your old ways of socializing or moving through the world. Stay true to yourself and use this time of re-emergence to step back into society in the way you truly want to. Start slow, and start with what resonates with your being.

Whatever you choose, expand on how it makes you feel to do something new. Revel in the expansion it brings to reinforce the habit!