Understanding Vata Energy, the one that moves!

Now are are going to talk about the energy of Vata, that which moves.
I wish to approach this understanding of the Doshas from a non traditional way, while keeping the traditional in hand as well.

Vata is the main origin of imbalance in humans. In other words, an excessive agitation and excessive movement in both the mind and the body.  Flying in an airplane or driving a car and also thinking are all ways in which we are creating action, or doing things or creating movement.  All these are forms of movement, let’s say.

Remember the Laws: same increases same and opposites balance.  Modern life has a vata imbalance. Excessive movement in all levels, to the point that the person is completely disconnected from her or himself.  (This would be an extreme)

If there is a mission with the Self Healing Journey Program and I would even say in life is to learn to observe this agitation and become fully aware of it.  The idea is to not become the agitation itself or get caught up in it.

If only this is achieved, then we can consider this program as completely successful for you and in fact if this is the only thing you achieve in life, you could also consider your life successful, as this is the main reason why we are alive.

Vata energy is the king dosha, we had mentioned that Dosha means that which is constantly changing.  So let’s say, that our energy (we are made of Energy) is changing constantly and Dosha is a way of describing this energy which is changing constantly and that is moving all over our body within the tissues and the connection channels.   Why is it the king dosha, because the other two doshas cannot move themselves by themselves, they need this moving energy to unfold. Also Vata carries the divine intelligence, all the way to the DNA, to the very nucleus of the cell,  and to the most secret, mysterious location of our own existence, that’s where Vata energy connects with.

Life is constantly changing, moving, arising and passing away, impermanent in nature completely.  The only place in which it never changes is in its essence.  Why is this essence concept important, because connecting back there is how all possible imbalances come back to balance. Let’s go step by step. And I say connecting and actually it is becoming aware of it, we are always connected, in fact we are that which we wish to connect to.  
What we need to do is become aware of it, and in fact it is like IT is becoming aware of ITSELF, DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO YOU?  YOU CANNOT THINK ABOUT IT, just breath and let’s continue.

Vata energy is made of the wind and space elements.  So it has the following characteristics or Qualities: Light, Dry, Cool, Rough, Subtle, Mobile.  So, let’s revise.  Lightness, like a salad.  Dry like a cracker, cool, like a salad again, rough like green vegetables, subtle like a thought and mobile like excessive thinking or browsing social media.  Or changing plans constantly.  You get the idea.

And Again, same increases same and opposites balance.  

A person with a higher percentage of the elements of air and space would be with a person with a higher percentage of vata energy in them.  And also remember that Same Likes the Same, this means that if someone is by nature quick in the move, they will have a tendency to imbalance exactly in this same quality, in other words, they could get agitated quicker.  Makes sense, doesn’t it?

The air moves with irregularity within the space, doesn’t it.  Then such qualities could be seeing in this type of person.  the air moves also quicker, so this means that the energy moves quicker in this person and doesn’t stick, as oppose to someone with more earth or water element in them.  Can you see this?

So what would you say a person with a higher percentage of vata would look like?
They would have a thinner frame, because of the same reason, the energy moves quicker.  They would be either tall or short, they would have a tendency to accumulate weight in the belly, like a little backpack. Hehehe.  This is important because I wish you to see yourself.

This type of person would also have a tendency to speak and move faster, to be quick in the thought and the answer, someone with a great humor. They could show imbalances such as irregular appetite and digestive fire. Constipation, insomnia, overthinking, worry, too much the mind in the future, dry skin, dry hair, brittle nails, nervousness, noisy digestion, too much burping and belching.

Please, please. Avoid at all costs self-judgment or criticism or thinking this is best or this is worst.  Just see how the energies of Divinity manifested as a human being.  This is the value of this information. Let’s remember that every person, living organism, and natural element in this planet is made of the 5 elements.  So a rock will have space, air, fire, water and earth and so does a human being or a tree or an animal, or a plant.

Continuing with Vata.  The times of the day where this energy is more predominant are from 2-6 am. And pm.  What does it mean?  That at these times we are more connected, all of us humans with the subtler energies of the universe.  So in the early morning we could dream more, and this is why in ALL traditions it is said that from around 4-6 a.m. or before sun rise is great time for spiritual work or practices.  And in the afternoon, it is a great time for writing, for conversing, for meetings.

If a person has a very strong vata imbalance, most probably at that time in the afternoon they will be passing out or very tired, this happens because they are imbalanced and they cannot hold the energy.  Otherwise they would have great clarity.  If this is your case.  Go to week #7 and learn the Yoga Nidra exercise and practice it in the afternoon every day.  It will change your life.

The vata age in a human being is the old age.  It could accelerate for some humans that have lived life very fast and agitated.  So sometimes some people age quicker or woman have their menopause also at a very early age sometimes in the mid thirties in an extreme case.  

NO matter where you are at, it is not important whatsoever.  That is what is, from now on is a different thing.  We take what we have, who we are, what we have experienced, what we have lived, and where we are at and work with that.  Do we have another option?  

Deep acceptance of what is, brings all possible peace at all levels.  And in deep acceptance Vata calms down completely. Thinking stops.

This is the very first rule in order to calm Vata. Calm down. Let it all be. Let things be just as they are, no matter what it is… otherwise thought will arise with crazy strength to the point that it will overtake your mind and your connection to that essence that you are.  

A vata person will also have a tendency to have great humor and great creativity.  Since the wind is irregular, they could be a bit messy or have a tendency to be irregular in their eating habits.  In fact it would be harder for them to be more habitual.  

What does this mean from the perspective of same increases same and opposites balances then? That habit and structure is highly beneficial for Vata people. Structure is what balances a person with a Vata Imbalance.

Second important instruction here. Find habits and structure. So the synchronization with the sun is something that can really help.  For people of Vata Nature, they can benefit sleeping to around 6:30 a.m. and going to bed around 10 p.m. for sure.

Vata energy also at the same time is the one that gets most imbalanced with a higher percentage of imbalances around 60%, whereas Pitta causes around 30% and Kapha around 10%.  

Please remember also that imbalances are mental and physical both together.  We could also say emotional, but the emotions and the mind are very related or the same thing.  

Some of the imbalances in Vata are constipation, excessive flatulence, excessive belching. Dryness in the skin, hair, brittled nails and hair. Excessive talking, excessive blinking.  Excessive thinking, hyperactivity at the cost of the vital fluids. Stress, agitation of the nervous system.  Insomnia, debility, confusion, fear, anxiety, a disconnection within the mind and Prana or the life force.  Complete identification with Thought and with the External Life.

In other words, this person is basically disconnected from their essence and fully distracted by the senses and the mind.  Not present.  Normally very much in the Future.  

Vata is the energy also behind pain in the body and fear in the mind, aaagggiiitation.

A balanced person with a Vata nature is amazing, think about this please: every human being regardless of who they are or how they look, if they are balanced and in their power, they are an amazing representation of the Divine qualities they brought out from Nature.  This is what the Self Healing Journey Program is about.

So going back to the balanced vata person, they would have a great sense of humor, in fact Vata creates profound enjoinment in life, and understanding of the real source of creativity, as well as connectedness to spirit and to intuitions.  They would be thinner in their frame, with a stable digestion (that they would have to pay attention to), and they would flourish in a nice Job in which their qualities of creativity and good communication would be highly appreciated.  (Not as an accountant sitting in a cubicle all day long)

In other words for vata energy we need to be Calming the excessive noise and agitation which starts from the beginning not from the end like everything else the first thing that is needed is to become aware that there is excessive movement, that is the beginning, once you become aware then you are on the right path if you do not become aware then you will always stay there in the excessive noise.  Or agitated vata.

Let me explain this in other words.  a person with a vata imbalance wishes to create a successful change internally, so they change some habits here and there, but the imbalance keeps happening and manifesting in all life of this person.  The beginning of this imbalance is the agitation and the excessive movement.  Once the person becomes aware of it, understanding will arise and everything will start falling into place and the teachings will be absorbed.

Let’s see a few possible habits, for example, when you wake up in the morning is the first thing you do is grab your phone? When you wake up, notice how quickly the thoughts arise within you.

is it possible for you to be still and silent for a while without having a screen or without having to do something?

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Balancing Vata:
* First digestion, eating when you are hungry and having a schedule and Structure is very much needed.  The digestive fire of vata people varies, it changes, why because they are changing and moving a lot.  They need to eat at the same times everyday.
* Abhyanga self massage, very good for vata people, it calms them and particularly if you apply the oil to the crown chakra, the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
* Slow yoga, with deep breathing.
* Regular meditation.
* Food needs to be soupier, with more oil (like ghee and olive oil). Use spices.
* Avoid at all costs junk food and leftovers. Your food requires good Prana.
* Becoming aware of the the present moment.
* Becoming aware of excessive thinking.
* If you are a passenger in a car or in a bus or in an airplane is it possible for you to just be still and not require external stimulation particularly in a car or a bus
* Requiring stimulation is not an issue what we are trying to do is to identify how much external noise is needed in order to calm down your internal noise
* How much patience do you have?
* How much do you worry?
* Have you noticed if your story is the same today than yesterday did you know that your story or your thoughts are similar to the ones yesterday and the day before and the day before have you become aware of that?
* Are you constantly searching for external stimulation a phone call social media emails constantly active on the external constantly active on this the external is it possible for you to relax and be still
* All We Are doing is Becoming Aware. Understanding the naturalness of our humanity.
* Go to natural Park, sit down and just observe and do nothing else, just breathe.
* Sleep well.
* Practice Yoga Nidra.
* These are the qualities of Vata: Vata Qualities: Light, Dry, Cool, Rough, Subtle, Mobile.  If you favor these qualities in your life, Vata will increase.  Once again, become aware of the agitation and the excessive movement, but how??? If all I know is this agitation, then sit in meditation, practice some very slow yoga and make an effort to slow down and favor that over anything else.

Understanding Vata Energy is quite essential to a human being. 

Ayurveda is the Science of Life and the Science of Self Healing, as it has been called also.

Vata energy is made of the Air and the Space Elements or that component of the Life Force that is called Marut which means the Divine Intelligence, I like to call it the Mystery.

Vata Dosha is the King of the Doshas, why? Because it is from this mystery that everything else arises. The element of air moving in the space represents exactly what Vata Dosha is about: “ That which moves “.  
The coolest thing with Ayurveda is that it shows us what Vata is about in our physical and mental bodies, while at the same time it shows us how to keep it under balance. In other words, and think about this: Ayurveda’s wisdom helps us balance the way in which the unknown mysterious energy of the Divine Intelligence operates in us.

Now, also think about this: if this energy gets imbalanced what do you think would happen? It is said in Ayurveda that 60% of imbalances arise from Vata getting out of wack, comparing with the other two doshas, Pitta 30%, and Kapha 10%, there is obviously relative importance in maintaining Vata under control.

Here is another fact: all humanity mostly has a deep imbalance in Vata energy and let’s start studying the reasons for these imbalances. The Self Healing Journey Program is going to focus on helping you get your Vata Energy balanced.  Let’s make this the main aspect of your work.

You might think then the other two doshas will not be attended, but they will and you will notice as we continue with the work.

What imbalances Vata?:

• Irregularity is the main cause, irregularity creates excessive movement both in the mind and the physical body, and excessive movement is both an imbalance in Vata and a major cause of imbalance.  What is irregularity? Wake up and go to sleep at different times every day. Eating at different times. And in general not aligning with the natural movements of Life/Nature, age, and seasons.  What to do then: synchronize yourself with the rhythms of nature in terms of going to sleep and your eating times.
• Excessive stimulation. In other words, too much phone, computer, tv, social media, and in general outward movement of your attention. What to do in this case: take phone breaks, social media breaks, tv breaks, and in general do not depend too much on the devices. First of all, become aware of it, maybe you aren’t even aware or you might be hiding it from yourself, do you understand what I mean, is like you are just letting it pass because it creates a sense of pleasure.  Restriction in this matter is really good.  Read a book, go for a walk in nature, take a shower or a bath, do dishes, exercise (without headphones), do some creative work like art/music/design, do some woodwork, chant some mantras, I am sure you get the idea. In other words, disconnect from the screens and become present with your life by engaging in some activity which could be just sitting in silence and watching nature.
• Excessive physical movement: such as too much commuting, driving, flying, and practices that create a lot of movement, for example, a Spinning class.  Let me share a story: the other day I realized while I was taking care of my amazing pregnant wife, that I was moving from here to there in the house while I was cooking, I was doing many things at the same time. I started noticing how my energy got seriously deranged (imbalanced), so I told my wife, I will focus on the cooking, I cannot hear you while I am here, I will come back later or let you know when food is ready.  I wish to be in more silence and focus my energy on what I am doing.  Very soon after that, I felt a sense of calmness internally.  What to do: First of all is to become aware of the excessive movement.  Also to practice slow yoga, meditation, and Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing there is a video about it), try walking to work or taking the train, or even a public bus, see the thing when driving or moving a lot is that attention is not within, is a lot without.
• Excessive social outward movement:  We humans crave Love from others, we just wish to be loved.  There are many reasons for this and I am not going to go into a spiritual talk at this moment about love and being loved, although I do wish to share that the opposite of this outward movement is calmness and just stillness.  Let’s see… if you are constantly putting your attention externally, posting and posting and talking on the phone always, and calling and craving for external attention you will increase your Vata imbalance.  The whole Self Healing Journey Program is about calming these harsh ways of being with our own selves.  All I wish you to know at this moment is for you to be aware that putting too much energy externally will not create the warmth that you are looking for, instead, it will increase it even more.  Remember the two universal laws: same increases same and opposites balances, well that’s it, if you put same attention over and over and over on the same thing, it will just increase
• Another reason why Vata increases is wrong food such as Junk food, dead food, dull food, food that doesn’t have any intelligence such as processed foods, leftovers, overcooked foods, wrong food combinations, wrongly spiced foods, and… well you get the idea.  So what to do, is first follow the Laws of Food Combination, then follow the Synchronization with the Sun and then incorporate the proper oils and spices into your diet.  Then next week, you will start reading and studying Food Groups and Ayurvedic Nutrition.  You will learn about some delicious cooking recipes that are very easy to make and soon you will become an expert with your own Energy.

What is it to understand? I would say that the following imbalances need to be calmed down: 

• excessive thinking.
• excessive agitation.
• chasing life like crazy.
• overworking.
• over-exercising.
• excessive movement.
• having too many projects.
• too much external stimulation.
• AGAIN, too much thinking.
• spending too much time in the future (in your mind), the future does not exist and once it arrives it will always be in the present moment. 
• and living in a constant dilemma creating excessive emotions and thoughts.

In a nutshell, NOT being PRESENT. Please recognize those aspects in you and make a decision to change them. Start by becoming aware of the imbalance of excessive agitation. Then slowly make a decision of calming down, by changing several things or incorporating several things into your life such as:

• engaging in the present moment as much as possible and considering it the one and only thing that is relevant mostly.
• meditating twice a day as a way to engage in the present moment, but once you have finished your meditation, carry on with that energy towards your day.
• avoid as much as possible using the present moment as a means to an end, mainly because there is a thought that the next moment is going to be better. Observe that there is this way of thinking or belief system and work towards eradicating it with presence, with loving what is happening now, here, at this moment. 
• avoid exercises that are too quick, for example spinning.  favor exercises like Yoga, QiGong and if you are going to do Yoga, do it slowly. 
• do full Yogic Breathing exercises. 
• find regularity in your practices and in your life, develop good habits and maintain a good structure, develop structure.

It is time to change the belief systems, you are doing amazing.  Enjoy life much.  It is all happening, change is happening.

The main idea with Vata is that you become aware of yourself.  In other words, we are talking about creating PRESENCE.

Many blessings, 

Leo Cordero