Meditation for Each Body/Dosha Type
Why is it that some people find meditation easier than others?
Your practice is influenced by your Prakriti, which in Ayurveda is essentially the body type you were born with. You can find out more about your body type by reading this blog or by ideally visiting an Ayurvedic practitioner (such as myself, you can join my waiting list here).
All doshas benefit from meditation, however different dosha types have different tendencies throughout it. Small changes in how, when, and what kind of meditation is performed can often provide each dosha type with the experience and attributes needed to maximize healing and balance.
Vata Meditative Practises
Even after just a few minutes of meditation, Vata types gain the most.
They're constantly planning, inventing, thinking, and, more often than not, worrying. This may lead individuals to believe that meditation is an impossible endeavour.
Challenges:
-> Vata personalities have a propensity to be extremely critical of themselves when they have thoughts.
-> Vata types may find it difficult to sit still due to their air and space qualities.
-> They may endure discomfort as a result of sitting for extended periods of time.
During meditation, every thought is an opportunity to change into a more balanced and well-being state. Try to look at things from a different angle ""Thoughts are a nice thing!" to "Thoughts are a good thing!" They're a sign that a bit of physical tension has dissipated."
Vata Balancing Meditations
-> Slow breathing
-> Spoken/guided with extended moments of silence even if uncomfortable
-> Setting up a warm and cozy environment is beneficial
-> Vata types can benefit from gentle movements and yoga stretches before any meditation.
Pitta Meditative Practises
Pitta types can benefit from meditation to help them cope with their high-stress levels.
It can be difficult for a Pitta to comprehend doing "nothing." Pitta types that are new to meditation tend to focus intensively and concentrate hard in order to keep their thoughts under control. They aspire to succeed and want to get it right the first time. "I want to be the best meditator," a Pitta type says, and it's not surprising.
Pitta personalities value productivity. They generally believe that the harder you labour, the more you achieve, but this is not true in meditation.
Challenges
->Pittas may find it difficult to slow down and should try and remember to go with the flow.
-> Pitta types frequently want proof that they are not squandering time while meditation.
->They're usually the ones who need the most rest, but they don't want to set out time to meditate..
It's impossible to have a lousy meditation. All of your experiences, including your thoughts, are accurate. Distractions and thoughts are not a warning that something is wrong. They're a sign that your mind and body are actively destressing and detoxing.
The good news is that Pitta people are generally the first to make meditation a regular practice and to see the benefits.
Pitta Balancing Meditations
-> Mantra meditation with a focus e.g. So Hum
-> Visual meditation with a soft gaze at a specific object (e.g. Sri Yantra)
-> Meditating in nature (music and sounds of nature, especially water, can help ground Pitta)
Pitta Meditative Practises
The Kapha personality type is a natural meditator.
Water and soil, which are Kapha elements, help these people maintain a tranquil state of mind.
Kapha types may be inclined to lie down while meditation and are the most likely to do so.
For Kapha types, sitting up tall and without a backrest during meditation can be beneficial.
Challenges
-> Diversions are always welcome. The most gratifying experiences frequently begin with a surprising detour. Perhaps that diversion will lead you in the right direction.
-> Drowsiness is a common side effect of meditation.
-> Sleeping during meditation is natural, but if they are falling asleep frequently, they should switch up their meditation habit and try meditating at different times or in different places.
Pitta Balancing Meditations
-> Bringing awareness to different parts of the body
-> Auromic meditations with different scents such as rosemary and eucalyptus
-> Group meditation to help connect with people and inspire
Before meditation, stimulating exercises and yoga stretches might assist Kapha types to prepare for a more conscious meditation experience.
Meditation is a process rather than a goal.
Begin your meditation with a sense of wonder, rather than a desire for a certain experience. Each meditation provides you with exactly what you require at the precise moment you require it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation, but we may all benefit from some assistance in removing distractions and finding the silence.
Ways to make meditation a regular practice
If you think about it, you make time to have breakfast or lunch, to brush your teeth, to shower, even when you are extremely busy. If you want to reap the benefits of meditation, then you have to commit. Work up to thirty minutes of meditation twice a day—thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the late afternoon or early evening—to get the full advantages of meditation. Trust me- I get it- we don't always have the time, so even if it's just 2 minutes, you can pat yourself of the back.
All you need to meditate is be able to sit and close your eyes. You can do this in your car, in the airport or in a plane. Try to sit upright because when we meditate the energy is flowing through our body and the biggest channel is our spine. That's all you need. If you are sick and don't feel well then you can lie down. Here are some ways, however, you can make it even better for yourself. It's okay to move, maybe you get stiff, and need to shift your position that is also fine.
Stack the habit
Building habits from scratch can be very difficult but if we can just add them on top of one we have already that can make a big difference. For example, if we have a habit of brushing our teeth in the morning we could add the habit of meditation after or before that. Perhaps you have the habit of having breakfast or lunch around the same time, why not add 15-30 minutes of meditation before or after? You'll also get the added benefit of improving your digestion.
Create a space.
While many individuals like to meditate in a special area, it may actually be done anywhere. Simply avoid distractions and interruptions such as phone calls and texting. Stay inside or in the shade. While sunshine can be therapeutic while your mind is busy, it might be distracting when you're trying to meditate. Selecting softer, darkened areas can assist you in moving closer to silence.
Don't expect anything from the meditation
Come into every meditation with the same innocence as you did the very first time you tried it. Determine how much time you have available to meditate. Setting an alarm with a quiet chime could be beneficial. Allow adequate time for a calm and easy transition back into action, even if that means cutting your meditation time in half.
What matters most is making a schedule that works for you. Any meditation is preferable to none at all.
Do you need some help discovering the silence? You can join my waiting list here and together we can figure out a way to get you towards that 'gap'.
Wishing you a mindful day xx
