Although we each come to our yoga mats for a variety of reasons, depending upon the day, our moods, our constitutions and our current state of mental and physical health, I suspect that many of us are yearning for similar things: silence, space and a return to alignment. It is this endless thirst for returning to ourselves and our true nature that fuels our inner fire and discipline to show up on or mats – for better or worse. Something has shifted and caused us to drift further away from our natural, balanced state, and we desperately want to return home.
It is this same principle on which yoga’s sister science “Ayurveda” was founded. There is an innate understanding that we are all comprised of the earth elements and elegantly existing in a physical/mental body that is a unique compilation of three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. We were each born with varying degrees of each dosha and it is within that original state – our prakriti- that we can feel most aligned, balanced and healthy. Each dosha is comprised of positive attributes as well as innate vulnerabilities. Part of the beauty of yoga and of Ayurveda, is that there is no right or wrong, no better or worse, but simply a deepening into our authentic self. The same applies to knowing our constitution and radically accepting the gifts and vulnerabilities proclaimed by each dosha.
In general, vata types are thin in build, imaginative, creative, sensitive and communicate with a natural sense of exhilaration. When out-of-balance, vata types are the sufferers of chronic constipation, ibs, anxiety, insomnia and pms. To maintain a state of balance, vatas need warmth, stability, rest and regularity. They need to take regular breaks from stimulation and create a serene and peaceful life.
Pitta types are more muscular and medium in build, often with blond or red hair. They are disciplined, intelligent, enterprising, competitive and joyous. When out-of-balance, pitta types are prone to inflammation, rashes, heartburn, ulcers and heart attacks or health issues caused by stress. The key to balancing the driven pitta person is moderation. They need coolness to calm their inner fire and ample time to digest the activities of the day.
Kapha types tend to have larger frames or builder builds, thick, luscious hair, and are loyal, calm, forgiving and deeply compassionate. When out-of-balance, kapha types often find themselves suffering from congestion, allergies, depression or weight-issues (obesity). It is the kapha person who most needs stimulation, variety and intense exercise in order to maintain balance.
It is only by knowing and accepting our true nature that we can then, make mindful choices for inviting balance into our lives.
In a perfect world, we would maintain the natural state of our constitutions- choosing foods, habits, lifestyles and environments that most celebrate and support our strengths. We would awaken and fall into slumber with the natural cycles of the day, eat nourishing, whole foods, meditate daily, honor and accept our each and every emotion and savor a life of balance. The stark reality is that we live in a world in which we are constantly faced with possible triggers for imbalance. Depending upon your constitution, different triggers will feel more prominent; hence, Ayurveda medicine and doctors prescribe specific nutrition, lifestyle and herbal supplements to best support balance on an individual level. I challenge you to accept your natural constitution and courageously create a life that celebrates you, in your most natural state.
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