modern love, ancient wisdom

By: mary thompson
Edited date: November 14, 2022Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

balancing your relationship with the principles of ayurveda

When considering a relationship, the temptation arises to base the hopes for its future on your basic constitution and the constitution of the other. Some think that certain doshic types thrive when bonded in relationship, and that others are doomed to fail.

A state of balance and consciousness is an option that may help the success of a relationship. The doshic types are simply one way that we may determine what challenges are likely to arise over the course of time. Once one recognizes and understands the basic nature of the partner, opportunities arise to respond to any situation with compassion. To further this understanding, it is helpful to gain the Ayurvedic perspective on the potential challenges of the different doshic types. 

VATA

When balanced, people of Vata nature are playful, innovative, adaptable, gregarious and fun. They are lively and often bring a sense of enthusiasm and vitality to the relationship. When imbalanced, these people become anxious, fearful, overwhelmed, scattered and undependable. Overdoing things disturbs Vata nature, but unfortunately, this is what Vatas often love best. Irregularity in sleeping, eating and activities create the scenario for Vata overload, and the Vata nature will soon begin to show the signs of imbalance.

As the partner of a person with Vata nature, when you see the patterns and warning signs, you might assist them by putting into place any calming and grounding practices to slow the person down, and encourage finding the peaceful center where Vata can rest. Physical and mental rest, time in nature, yoga asana practice and meditation are all highly beneficial in revitalizing people of Vata nature; taking a look at trimming down the activity overload is another important component. Then they can resume their joyful zest for life.

PITTA

People of Pitta nature are articulate, brilliant, insightful, organized and compassionate when balanced. They are efficient and often see the best way to approach and right any situation. When imbalanced, these people may become critical, judgmental, angry, controlling and hurtful. Heat, intensity, competition and excessive drive both attract and disturb Pitta nature. As these behaviors heat up, the partner will often become the target of a Pitta’s wrath. As fires need fuel, one of the best things to do is to provide cooling food for the overwrought Pitta, such as raw vegetables or juices. It is often best to leave the food within Pitta’s reach and step away until they have tempered the fire a bit. Mental rest, meditation and practicing compassion are key to calming the active Pitta mind. Cooling aromas, such as peppermint or rose, and walks in the cool evening air will also help to regain the Pitta composure.

KAPHA

People of Kapha nature””when balanced””are loving, supportive, methodical, thorough and friendly. They are the nurturers of the world and maintain strong ties to family and longtime friends. When imbalanced, these people may become immobile, stubborn, overly sentimental and melancholy. Attachment to routine and lack of activity or sensory stimulation will set the stage for Kapha imbalance. When you notice the inertia settle into your Kapha partner, it is imperative to take action. Stimulating conversation, physical activity, diversity in diet and daily activity will offset the heaviness that weighs the Kapha down. Sleeping less and exercising more, such as with an active yoga practice, help to move that earthy quality of Kapha, allowing the cloud of melancholy to lift and the individual to resume their nurturance of others and the relationship.

The key factor is balance, and for each partner, there will be inherent challenges to maintaining it. We are often compelled early in a relationship to set aside what is balancing to us in order to bond more closely with the other, believing that by losing a little of myself, I can gain a little more of you. By doing that, we act in ways that are out of accordance with our nature and set the stage for future imbalance. The best gift you can bring to a partner in relationship is a whole and present self to share the adventure of life. By identifying what activities are likely to create imbalance and limiting these in our lives, we take strides toward healing ourselves. By recognizing the qualities of imbalance in our partner, we can be compassionate to their struggles and supportive of how they can create balance in their lives.

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