MODULE 1 — SECTION 5: Matrices & Decision Trees

Matrix 1 — Daily Rhythm Qualities Matrix

Connect time-of-day patterns with sensory qualities

This matrix helps learners begin to recognize the qualitative shifts that occur naturally throughout the day — foundational for understanding dosha cycles in Module 2.

Daily Rhythm Qualities Matrix

Time of Day	Environmental Qualities	Common Body Qualities	Common Mind Qualities	Notes
4–7 AM (Early Morning)	Cool, light, still	Light, calm, slow	Quiet, reflective	Often easiest time for meditation
7–10 AM (Morning)	Heavy, cool, stable	Grounded, steady	Focused, calm	Good time for heavier tasks
10 AM–2 PM (Midday)	Warm, bright, sharp	Strong digestion, alert	Clear, motivated	Ideal time for main meal
2–6 PM (Afternoon)	Dry, light, mobile	Restless, variable	Creative, scattered	Energy dips common
6–10 PM (Evening)	Heavy, cool, slow	Relaxed, tired	Unwinding, soft	Best time for wind-down routines
10 PM–2 AM (Late Night)	Sharp, bright, subtle	Wired, alert	Active, stimulated	Staying awake here disrupts sleep
2–4 AM (Early Night)	Light, subtle, quiet	Deep rest	Dreaming, subconscious	Body repairs tissues

Reflection Prompts

Which time of day feels most supportive to you?
Which time feels most challenging?
Do your personal rhythms match or differ from these general patterns?

Matrix 2 — Five-Sense Qualities Matrix

Build sensory literacy by mapping qualities to each sense

This matrix helps learners understand how qualities show up through the senses — a core Ayurvedic skill.

Five-Sense Qualities Matrix

Sense	Possible Qualities	Examples	What This Might Indicate
Sight	Bright, dull, sharp, soft	Harsh lights, dim room	Mental clarity or fatigue
Sound	Loud, soft, sharp, muffled	Traffic, birds, hum	Nervous system tone
Smell	Sharp, sweet, earthy, pungent	Spices, soil, flowers	Digestive fire, emotional state
Taste	Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent	Foods, herbs	Dosha influence, cravings
Touch	Warm, cool, dry, oily, rough, smooth	Skin, air, fabrics	Circulation, hydration, stress

Reflection Prompts

Which senses feel most active today?
Which feel dull or overwhelmed?
What qualities dominate your sensory world?

Matrix 3 — Alignment Signals Matrix

Help learners identify alignment vs. misalignment in daily life

This matrix supports Lesson 5 (Dharma & Purpose).

Alignment Signals Matrix

Body Response	Mind Response	Emotional Response
Energized / Drained	Clear / Foggy	Uplifted / Irritated
Light / Heavy	Focused / Scattered	Calm / Anxious
Warm / Cold	Inspired / Flat	Connected / Numb

Reflection Prompts

Which activities consistently score high?
Which consistently score low?
What patterns do you notice?

Decision Tree 1 — “Is This Balanced or Imbalanced?”

A simple diagnostic tool for beginners

This decision tree helps learners begin to identify imbalance without needing dosha theory yet.

Balance Decision Tree

Step 1 — Check Digestion

Is your appetite steady?
- Yes → go to Step 2
- No → likely imbalance

Step 2 — Check Sleep

Do you fall asleep easily and wake rested?
- Yes → go to Step 3
- No → imbalance present

Step 3 — Check Energy

Is your energy stable throughout the day?
- Yes → go to Step 4
- No → imbalance present

Step 4 — Check Mind

Is your mind clear and steady?
- Yes → go to Step 5
- No → imbalance present

Step 5 — Check Emotions

Do emotions feel digestible and proportional?
- Yes → likely balanced
- No → imbalance present

Reflection

Which step revealed imbalance?
What patterns do you see?
How long has this been present?

Decision Tree 2 — “What Quality Am I Experiencing?”

Build qualitative awareness before introducing doshas

This tree helps learners identify the dominant quality of a sensation or experience.

Quality Identification Tree

Step 1 — Temperature

Does it feel warm or cool?
- Warm → go to Step 2
- Cool → go to Step 3

Step 2 — Warm Path

Is it sharp or soft?
- Sharp → Hot quality
- Soft → Warm quality

Step 3 — Cool Path

Is it heavy or light?
- Heavy → Cold quality
- Light → Cool quality

Step 4 — Texture

Is it dry or oily?
- Dry → Dry quality
- Oily → Oily quality

Step 5 — Movement

Is it mobile or still?
- Mobile → Mobile quality
- Still → Stable quality

Reflection

Which qualities show up most often in your day?
Which qualities feel comfortable vs. uncomfortable?