Your Dosha Is More Than a Personality Type. Itâs a Practice.
When I teach Ayurveda, no matter if it’s in person or online, the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) are BY FAR everybody’s favorite part. It’s like they get a window into their own soul, and they just find it so juicy and fascinating. “What about me?!” is basically what the doshas explain.
But while the doshas are fun and fascinating, they have a real role in our physical wellbeing. The doshas have unique tendencies that can keep us healthy or throw us off balance. The goal is to keep the doshas in their most natural state, for us. Your constitution can help us understand the kinds of imbalances you may be more prone to.
The word “dosha” literally means “fault,” so think of them as clues to where we can get thrown off. It’s not just personality or physicality. The doshas can help us understand how we might get imbalanced based on the unique tendencies of each one. And this is where Ayurveda gets really cool AND completely customized for each person.
Each dosha has positive and not-so-positive tendencies.
The goal is to understand both, exude more of the positive tendencies, and be aware of and constantly work on the not-so-positive tendencies.
Here’s the good news: Once you understand your dosha(s), you can use that knowledge to make good choices and take the right actions to build a healthy lifestyle for yourself long term.
Here’s the bad news: The not-so-positive tendencies of your dosha(s) will keep showing up. You will always have to work on them. Like, lifelong and constantly. They are innate tendencies, so you have to a) stay on top of them and b) not think something is wrong with you when they keep showing up. Stay aware of who you are and what your tendencies are, and have the will to keep working on them.
As my teacher says, your doshas are not an excuse for behavior. Be aware of them. Use them as a disciplined practice to do better for yourself and for your life.
For example, two of vata’s not-so-positive tendencies are being late and lacking focus and completion of tasks. So what to do? Set timers and finish what you start! Ha! Sounds simple, but for vatas this is not easy.
Two of pitta’s not-so-positive tendencies are being a controlling perfectionist and having a sharp tongue. Their controlling tendencies can cause burnout (and annoy others because nothing they do is good enough), and their words can hurt. So what to do? Be more of a leader/coach than a doer. Let others make mistakes and mentor them vs. critique. And build space before the words come out (respond instead of react) so they are delivered with care instead of cutting.
Two of kapha’s not-so-positive tendencies are being a couch potato and attaching to past, heavy emotions. What to do? Move! With vigor and fun! That can help with both.
“Why do I keep doing this even though I know better?”
Because these tendencies are in your nature. Certain things are inseparable from you, like the color of your eyes, the shape of your hands or your nose.
Let me try to clarify:
Vata is the energy of movement, which is quick and changes like the wind.
Pitta is the energy of transformation, which is heating and sorts things, changing one thing into something else.
Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure, which holds things together and keeps things smooth.
So each dosha has natural things it does and is good at, and along with those come the not-so-positive tendencies.
If you succumb to those not-so-positive tendencies, you won’t feel as good as you could, and some can become causative factors of health problems.
BUT! Here's your power: You have consciousness in your mind, and you can make the right choices to work with these not-so-positive tendencies.
For fun, here’s a mini glimpse into the doshas at their BEST. You have family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and other Trader Joe’s shoppers you interact with in life. đ You can get a glimpse of someone’s dosha just by observing these positive qualities.
Doshas at Their Best
GO TO A VATA IF YOU NEED…
Uplifting energy, a breath of fresh air, creative ideas, invigoration, inspiration, light-heartedness, a fresh approach to situations, spontaneity or exploring future possibilities.
GO TO A PITTA IF YOU NEED…
Advice without emotion, problem-solving, action planning, witty humor, organization, strategy, leadership, mentoring or staying present and focused.
GO TO A KAPHA IF YOU NEED…
Emotional comfort, someone to listen, a good meal, a great hug, stamina, reliability, empathy, accessorizing or reminiscing about fond memories.
I hope this helps you understand why taking care of our health takes effort. Good health is not a finish line. We don’t get there *high five* and it’s over. It’s LONGevity. Long. Long time. Every day. That is how we play.
If you want to go deeper into the doshas and an Ayurvedic lifestyle, grab a copy of my book ($4.99, instant download) and keep bringing Ayurveda to life!
