‘Nature’s way’ has always served as a primary guide in Ayurveda. As the science of life, or the science of ‘what is’, Ayurvedic living has been built from observing and aligning with nature, as opposed to the common Western approach which often involves manipulating nature’s design to achieve an outcome.  
 
Before we observe the rhythms of nature, let’s refresh ourselves with the some of the chief qualities of each dosha. 

• Kapha (Earth + Water): Stability and cohesion

• Pitta (Fire + Water): Transformation and metabolism

• Vata (Air + Ether): Movement and communication

The rhythms of nature are one of the most commonly observed Ayurvedic principles. Governed by the dosha's, they can be experienced in: 
 
Our daily cycle 
There are 6 x 4-hour blocks of time that cycle throughout the day, with each block of time being influenced by the dosha’s at play in nature, and the dosha’s at play in our body. During each block of time it’s recommended that we participate in certain activities that align with the energetic influence of each dosha.  

• Kapha: 6 AM – 10 AM and 6 PM – 10 PM

• Pitta: 10 AM – 2 PM and 10 PM – 2 AM

• Vata: 2 PM – 6 PM and 2 AM – 6 AM

The monthly cycle of the female body 
The female body is influenced by the dosha’s in 3 blocks throughout the month.

• Kapha (Post-menstruation to ovulation): Rebuilding and nurturing

• Pitta (Around ovulation): Metabolic and hormonal activity

• Vata (Post-ovulation to menstruation): Release and movement

Seasonal cycles 
Each season is influenced by the dosha’s. 

• Kapha: Late winter and spring

• Pitta: Summer

• Vata: Autumn and early winter 

Age/Life cycles 
Our lifespan also takes on three phases, influenced by the dosha’s.  

• Kapha (0–16 years): Growth and physical development

• Pitta (16–50 years): Ambition, productivity, and intensity

• Vata (50+ years): Wisdom, dryness
  
  

Benefits of Aligning with the Rhythms of Nature 

- Supports balance in the mind and body. 
- Helps to prevent the accumulation of imbalance, which may assist in the prevention or severity of disease. 
- Allows a person to develop a connection with nature. 
- Supports longevity. 
- Helps to develop self-discipline, patience, and respect for a higher-creative power and design. 
 
Application 
 
1. Dinacharya. Dinacharya aligns a person’s daily activities with the rhythms of nature. Meaning, the alignment the biorhythms of the body with the rhythms of nature. Just as nature is designed to consistently turn from day to night and night to day with specific actions occurring during these times, our bodies are also designed to sleep and restore at night, while being awake and active during the day.  
 
By aligning our daily activities with the rhythms of the day, we are more likely to experience ease and harmony in our mind and body, while minimising unnecessary stress. On the contrary, when we don’t sync with natures rhythms, we may find ourselves feeling stressed, strung out, and out of whack. For example, sleeping 8 hours from 2 am – 10am. You’re getting your 8 hours sleep, however as it’s not at the optimal time, it disrupts the bodies essential restorative functions during the night, which is further compounded by waking up during the Kapha time of the morning which will naturally induce heaviness and sluggishness. When we consistently disregard the rhythms of nature, early signs of disease may manifest. For example, disrupted hormones, sleep issues, reduced mental alertness, emotional disruption, weight gain/weight loss, disrupted digestion, changes in blood pressure, and more. 
 
The Ayurvedic Clock overs some insights into the energetics of the day, which helps us to understand why certain activities are recommended during these times, with sleeping and eating times being the most important. 
 

2. Observing the stages of life and the energies that influence them. When we take into account the influence of the doshas on the different stages of our lives, we’re more likely to honour the inherent qualities that exist at each stage.  
 
3. Living and eating with the seasons. As we have discovered, our bodies are design to sync with nature. This includes the seasons, whereby our gut forms the appropriate enzymes to suit nature’s harvest. Eating foods that are in season and suitable for the climate supports optimal digestive functioning.  
Note: this is also why it’s recommended to detox or cleanse during the transition of season, as it allows the body time to make that transition with minimal load (i.e. heavy foods, processed foods, etc). 
 
Surrendering to the design and pace of nature. 
Knowing that there is a design in place means that we can relax, and surrender into the principles and pace of nature, without having to do all the thinking. This surrendering to what is helps us to cultivate the qualities of self-discipline, patience, and respect for a higher-creative power and design. 

Found this interesting and want to learn more? Check out my certification course: Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching  
 
Feel free to call or email me anytime to chat more about the training and explore if it’s a good fit for you. 
 
Well wishes, 
 
Sami xo