Knowledge is more than just knowing facts. It is a tool for personal growth and collective progress. Knowledge brings awareness, and awareness often demands action. When we integrate and embody what we are learning, we can turn that information into practices that shift our daily lives.
But first, let's gather some information.
A little about Ayurveda and the doshas....
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means "the knowledge of life” or “knowledge of longevity.” It is the oldest continually practiced medicine in the world! I like to think of it as wisdom from the ancient sages. As a healing science, it is proven effective — which is why it is still applicable in our modern world.
Ayurveda is grounded in the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, and aether). These elements are believed to be the basis of the entire universe, including the physical human body.
In ayurvedic medicine, a dosha is a bioenergetic quality that governs all aspects of our physical, mental and emotional health. A person’s unique constitution is determined and governed by their primary dosha (or often times, a combination of doshas).
The three doshas are Pitta (fire), Kapha (earth), and Vata (air).
These three doshas are also found in the natural world around us. As within, so without. Because we are a part of nature, when we align with the qualities of energy around us, and harmonize those qualities within us, we experience optimal health and wellbeing.
Here’s how it works. By gradually adopting specific practices and lifestyle activities, we develop more balance in our physical, mental and emotional bodies. In ayurveda, balance is achieved by adjusting diet and lifestyle habits.
Fall will usher in the season of the Vata dosha. It is a time that is marked by cool, typically dry and windy weather. It is influenced by a combination of air and aether elements. In our physical body, Vata rules the mind.
When Vata energy is out of balance, we feel easily distracted or spacey. We increasingly feel anxious, fearful or worried. Physically, we may be prone to indigestion or constipation.
The strengths of Vata include creativity, adaptability, generosity, ease of movement and being in harmony with our senses and our emotions.
General guidelines to balance Vata:
Keep warm, avoid extreme cold temperatures
Keep calm
Favor warm foods and spices
Avoid raw foods, cold foods and cold drinks
Practice calming, grounding and quieting activities…it is especially important during this season to establish and maintain a regular routine
In asana, favor seated hip openers, seated/lying twists, supported backbends, standing two-legged balance poses, deep squats and warming inversions.
To sum it up, in this Vata season (especially if we have a dominant Vata dosha), we are practicing ways to feel warm, stable, safe and calm — so that our minds are more peaceful and grounded.
Current and Upcoming Offerings
Weekly LifeFroce Yoga + Meditation classes
Monday mornings from 8-9
The Elks Performing Arts Center in Prescott
LifeForce Yoga + Meditation Fall Practice 2025
Sunday September 21st from 9:00-11:30
The Elks Performing Arts Center in Prescott
Resilient Heart
A seven week virtual course to support you through life’s transitions
More info to come
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