Rest the Solstice and Kapha Time

What do rest the Solstice and Kapha time have to do with one another? As I head toward the bottom of the year, I can feel the drag of the shortest day approaching, the urge to hibernate, to rest. Simultaneously holiday requirements load extra jobs on already overburdened days.

The doshas, biological energies of Ayurveda, dance in a regular rhythm through the day and night. Slow steady earthy Kapha rises from 6 to 10 am, along with phlegm (and a possible urge to stay in bed). By 10 am to 2 pm, fiery assertive Pitta activates us to pursue the tasks of the day; it’s the strongest time for digestive fire. Airy Vata takes over the 2 to 6 pm shift, light, mobile, restless. In the afternoon our Vata energy can get a little “thin”.

Then the whole cycle repeats itself, Kapha predominant 6 – 10 pm, Pitta 10 pm – 2 am, Vata 2 – 6 am. Ayurveda respects and utilizes these rhythms for health. If you can get to bed before pushy Pitta rises up again, there’s more chance of deep sleep. Likewise, when you come to the end of the day around 6 pm, Kapha wants you to rest. The Solstice is urging you to rest and restore. Kapha and the parasympathetic nervous system are here to support your restoration and balance. So, rest the Solstice and Kapha time all align.

If you’ve come to the end of your day and you feel like you’ve had enough, trust that. Stop. What if you can’t? Be open to any opportunity you can to call it a day, this time of year. When not possible, look for the small pauses: the deep breath, a sigh, stopping for even a moment. A cup of tea. A wi-fi-free pause. A smile. A hug. Some laughter.

Rest the solstice and Kapha time are here to help you renew and restore. Feel free to take them up on their offer of assistance.

With deep appreciation to the women in the Ayu Mentoring group for their depth, support, and insights on this topic.

Image with gratitude to G Bruen and friends 2024

Amadea Morningstar, MA, RPE, RYT is an internationally known Ayurvedic educator and author. For more info about the doshas, you can check out my books and blogs.