APPENDIX F

SADHANAS

TO BALANCE VATA

(Needs warm, nourishing, calming, hydrating, and lubricating qualities.)

     Take walks by the water.

     Listen to sounds of flowing river or ocean waves.

     Listen to the soft music of a flute, violin, or sitar.

     Look at the rising sun.

     Plant and garden.

     Take warm baths with aromatic oils of neroli, lemon, geranium, honeysuckle, or nightqueen.

     Have gentle massage with sesame oil and sweet, warming herbal oils.

     Read a romantic novel in soft candlelight.

     Adorn your body temple with warm-colored clothes, gold jewelry, and exotic perfume.

     Give and receive hugs from friends and family.

     Embrace small children and cuddle with loved ones.

     Make a warm, loving home by cooking and spending time with family.

     Take a nap in the afternoon.

     Do gentle physical activity or yoga.

     Take time each day for meditation, sitting quietly, and paying attention to the breath.

     Relax in front of a fireplace and watch the burning logs.

TO BALANCE PITTA

(Needs cooling, soothing, and hydrating qualities.)

     Walk in a flower garden.

     Look at nature.

     Listen to birds chirping and singing.

     Swim in a cool river.

     Take a cool bath with aromatic oils of rose or sandalwood.

     Massage your body with cool herbal oils.

     Adorn your body with soft blue, pink, or green clothes and silver jewelry.

     Make a flower arrangement.

     Decorate your house and mow the lawn.

     Laugh.

     Listen to the inner sound.

     Look at beautiful art.

     Walk in the moonlight.

     Bathe in silver water.

TO BALANCE KAPHA

(Needs hot, stimulating, and invigorating qualities.)

     Take a mountain hike.

     Watch the sunrise.

     Put on some loud rock ’n’ roll and get up and dance.

     Clean out your closets and throw out things you haven’t used in years.

     Rearrange the furniture in your home.

     Cleanse your body with herbs.

     Have a vigorous massage, dry or with safflower oil and a pinch of saffron.

     Cook a spicy meal for friends.

     Enjoy good sex.

     Play games and sports.

     Help others.