I used to think that a dosha meant a balance of guna qualities, such as hot/cold, dry/oily, etc.
Now I realize it's where things can go bad. It's your weak point.
- Vatas - things can dry up, move a lot, be irregular, cause confusion, lack of sleep, constipation
Pitta - things heat up causing criticism, inflammation, acid reflux, skin issues
Kapha - things get sticky and heavy, gunky mucous shows up, isolation creeps in as motivation goes down, the mind gets heavy and stuck.
Not to leave you thinking having a dosha is bad. It's just your weak spot. Keep in mind that it's completely acceptable to be balanced and healthy and that all the doshas have their potential. Like super awesome potential! Vata ideas can solve the world's problems. Pittas can lead the world to peace. Kaphas can nurture and are the glue that keeps everything connected. But there is still always a weak spot, regardless of how healthy one may be.
Why is this important? You can use this knowledge to build your daily routines. We tend to be creatures of habit, so by choosing foods and a schedule to support these potential weaknesses, you remain strong and inspired. It also helps you do things in moderation that could trigger your weak point, avoiding any calamities.
Things to consider for your routines and habits:
- Vatas - (want to move, more delicate and erratic, are depleted) - getting on a schedule and using oil, eating nurturing heavy soups
- Pittas - (want to compete and be in charge) play more, add more sweetness, stay cool
- Kaphas (want to cuddle, chill out) - move, dance, go out and mix things up, adding a little heat
So for me, dosha just means your weak point and helps you from falling into their traps.
Dosha also gives me a lens in which to see people, beings and the environment. It gives me compassion when dealing with an imbalanced pitta. It gives me patience when working with an imbalanced kapha. And as a fellow vata, it gives me tolerance for the overly annoying, chatty or completely nuts vatas.
It allows me to better understand and love myself. I have some tendencies that I really don't like, but now instead of beating myself up, I can ease up and know it's my tendency and be much more forgiving.