If you live in Canberra and are starting to feel the cold, staying in balance is a crucial way to stay warm. So what does it mean to be in balance? According to Ayurveda (the sister science of yoga), we are made up of five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These 5 elements form 3 main categories or energetic fields of information called “Doshas”. They are Vata, Pitta, Kapha. When these doshas are in balance, they can offer great qualities. But when they are out of balance, they can be detrimental to ourselves and others around us.
The Vata dosha is represented by the air and space elements and is cool by nature. The Kapha dosha is represented by the water and earth elements and is also cool by nature. The Pitta dosha is represented by the fire element which is warm by nature.
Whenever it gets colder and dryer we need to be extra alert to be in balance. From the Ayurvedic perspective, the air and space elements become more dominant (ie Vata increases) If we aren’t taking balancing action we find our minds get way too busy and all over the place. Our bodies can become unsettled and restless and feel dryer. Then sickness can develop.
So if you are trying to do too much or too many things at once, take immediate action to ground and balance. Slow down and get out of your head and into your body. Reduce stimulation and device use. Enjoy nature, hugs, yoga, meditation, massage, regular nourishing meals and get early nights and extra rest.
Excess air element can contribute to and aggravate anxiety, so many of you will find our new online
InSync Freedom from Fear and Anxiety Program a perfectly timed gift for yourself or others you care for. Find out more here.
Let’s now look at the 11 signs that you are out of balance.
Air/space element out of balance:
- You are often flooded with many thoughts and find it difficult, especially at night to fall asleep because you have so many thoughts
- You are often forgetful or have a poor long-term memory
- You lack structure, direction or focus
- You tend to over think things and find yourself worrying a lot
Fire element out of balance:
- You find yourself getting easily hot and bothered, frustrated or angry and/or you tend to be highly critical of yourself or others
- You can become disconnected from your feelings and emotions. In extreme cases, you can be cruel, mean or insensitive towards yourself and others
- You tend to over focus to the detriment of others around you (including relationships)
Earth/water element out of balance:
- Your body temperature is out of whack. You tend to feel too cold
- You feel stuck, heavy, lethargic and find it difficult to get motivated and be active
- You easily put on weight or find it difficult to put on weight
- You find it difficult to adapt to change and new circumstances. You like to stay with old habits and you tend to hold onto things
- You find it difficult to be creative or think up new ideas. You feel dull and heavy. Like your mind is clouded or foggy
There are many factors that can cause us to get out of balance. Some of these include lifestyle, diet and even a strong emotional experience.
Imbalances can often lead to more severe consequences so it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
So how do you get back into balance? The most important thing is to take action.
If you’re feeling unsettled or anxious then most likely your air element is out of balance. In this case, you’ll want to favour warm foods (and being warm in general). Look for nourishing activities such as massages or even hugs. Rhythms are very important when your air element is out of balance, so regular times of getting up and going to sleep as well as regular meal times and exercise will also be helpful.
Getting out in nature regularly, doing yoga and meditation and getting adequate amounts of sleep and food will also help rebalance and/or stay in balance.
For more information on how to get and get in balance to live a better, happier life, you can book for a personal coaching session or try one of our online courses and programs.
