Over the last few years I have experienced the real benefit in routine and natural rhythms. Prior to 2020 I was traveling full time “home-free” for about 4 or 5 years. Every day looked different, every week was a different location and while I had my morning and evening rituals it’s only since being grounded in Bali that I realize how much ease comes through relating to time from one place.
I want to share a practice, something I have been anchoring for myself over these last years that has proven to be a powerful and practical way to bridge the divide between my inner and outer world, and boy does it feel good to have these worlds unified. As 2024 winks at us from the horizon, I want to share with you how and why I do what I do. Because our relationship with Time is one of the most fraught AND the relationship that underpins everything we do and don't do.
Each dosha type relates to Time differently
Whether you rush through your days, often feel impatient or that there's just not enough time (Pitta tendency) Or if you get stuck in ruts and outdated routines, finding it difficult to move forward with intentions you want to actualise (excess Kapha) Or if time feels elusive and stretchy to you, if it’s hard to pin yourself or your abundant ideas down..then this is your guide to the alchemy of making your schedule sacred and mastering the art of cyclical living.
There’s a certain advantage that comes with having a map of the landscape ahead. Which is why I am offering this simple tool to navigate the year ahead with as much grace and inspiration as possible.
If this article is landing in your inbox, I can safely assume you are not off meditating in the Himalaya (although we can dream) We are choosing to merge the inner and outer worlds, this is the modern yogis balancing act. To be engaged and present in family, social life, work, creativity, tending to our health while staying connected to the ever flowing current of yoga, spirit and reverence through our days, weeks and months.
Why Cyclical Living works
Within the concept of a cycle is a beginning, middle and end. The energy that ignites and initiates, the energy that sustains and maintains and the energy that completes, closes and dissolves. In Ayurvedic talk, this is how we can see the three gunas of Rajas, Tamas and Satva reflected in Time. As I’ve made this my practice, something I’ve really been paying attention to over the last years, I'm starting to realize the concept beyond the living cycle, the Continuum.
As valuable as it is to resist rushing and be present with each chapter, each cycle simply makes way for the next. The Sun illuminates the way for the moon, Winter makes space for Spring, Navratri clears the path for Diwali. Just as each ocean tide flows seamlessly into the next, as each exhale allows for inspiration to happen.
Mother Nature has provided us with a flawless blueprint of how to live sustainably. According to the natural rhythm of the planetary days of the week, the moons, the seasons and significant junctions in time that traditional cultures have been observing forever.
Cyclical living means taking a course of action that is not just sustainable for your life-force but is actually regenerative, your Living actually supports and nourishes your life-force. Imagine that.
How to feel radically capable, centered and free.
There are a few keys to Cyclical Living that aligns with your values and the natural flow of a year; so here’s what I know (and what this calendar details)
Planetary days of the week
When mapping out your weekly flow, consider which planet aligns to each day, this is marked alongside the days of the week on my calendar as an easy reference and reminder. Here is a basic overview to get the ball rolling.
Moon - Monday: Ruled by lunar energy, Monday is the day to reflect and look inwardly. Hold off on admin and emails as much as you can. Incorporate something creative into the day and make it a practice to journal, take stock of last week or plan without taking action. Because of the moon vibes, you will have more emotional access.
Mars - Tuesday: Ruled by Mars, Tuesday is about forward momentum and movement. Harness this energy to engage in positive communications and put yourself out there. This is the best day for important emails and meetings. Make the most of the productive fiery Mars energy to take action and face challenges head on.
Mercury - Wednesday: Ruled by Mercury, the planet of the mind, intellect and memory, Wednesday is the day to stick to your plans as much as possible. Keep your head down, do something that makes you feel steady, be aware of overthinking, worrying and avoid last minute changes. .
Jupiter - Thursday: Ruled by Jupiter, Thursday is the prime day for studying, learning, stretching yourself in some capacity. Jupiter is known in India as the guru planet, a day to honor your teachers, carve out time for your jhana yoga of self enquiry and nurture your personal growth.
Venus - Friday: Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and generosity. Fridays are the day to do what makes you feel beautiful, take yourself on a date, tend to what and who you love and share yourself from a place of abundance.
Saturn - Saturday: Ruled by Saturn, the slow moving planet of structure and deconstruction. This is the day to tie up loose ends, pay your outstanding bills, get the house in order, tend to your garden, wrap up deadlines and use this last thrust of productive energy to complete the week so you can really rest and enjoy the next 2 days.
Sun - Sunday: Ruled by the Sun, Sunday is the time to celebrate, be out in the world with friends, family and community. Enjoy the abundant, warm light and energy of the sun (even if it’s a rainy day) and be in the frequency of joy and positive expression that the Sun emits.
Lunar rhythms
You will find the new and full moon days marked in your 2024 Cyclical Living Cal. You might take these days to rest or to celebrate. The visual marker of the moon days means we can clearly see when the energy for the month is waning or decreasing and when it is building, or waxing. This awareness, alongside your inner moon tracking of your menstrual cycle makes it EASY to cultivate a sustainable flow for the month ahead with a balance of social, work and personal time devotions. The lunar rhythm is reliable, consistent and provides a trustworthy path for us to map out our intentions, movements and down time over the course of the month, ensuring us against burn out.