Catch the Wind in Your Sails!

"You just can't sit still, can you?"

In leadership, this quality can be both a blessing and a challenge. Many leaders thrive on movement, momentum and the thrill of fresh ideas. Yet the same winds that propel our sails forward can, when left unchecked, scatter our attention in all directions, and we may get lost in the open seas.

If this is something you hear often, then you may recognise the restless spark of vata energy at play.

Wondering if you might be a visionary vata leader? Take my leadership dosha quiz to find out.

Made up of air and ether, vata is commonly described as light, cold, dry, irregular, clear, rough and mobile. A fundamental principle of ayurveda is that "like attracts like", meaning that foods and activities with these qualities increase vata dosha, and for those with a predominantly vata constitution, too much of these can lead to aggravating this dosha.

Read more about ayurveda and leadership here.

The Strengths of a Vata Leader

🌟 They shine with positive enthusiasm. Often on the optimistic end of the spectrum, their presence is like the warmth of the sun, lifting the mood in the room and making even the impossible look possible.

💡 They are inspiring, creative leaders. Thinking outside any box comes as second nature to them, coming up with ideas no-one though of before. They are able to bring this vision in front of their teams and rally them to the cause by painting a compelling picture of the future.

⚡ They have an agile mind that moves quickly. In a conversation, vata leaders are often one step ahead everyone else.

🗣️ They are very social and good communicators. They love a good conversation and enjoy connecting with their fellow human beings.

⛅ They love change and adapt well to a dynamically changing environment.

What Happens if the Intensity Increases?

🤔 They become forgetful and find it hard to focus. Jumping from one idea to the next, never really following through.

😱 Anxiousness and worry can take over and they feel overwhelmed in a stressful situation. Lacking grounding, they feel they are being blown away by forces too large to handle.

✂️ Tendency to start new projects, and failing to see them through. They are great with coming up with ideas but they don't always have the stamina to see them through to realisation.

💬 They can go round in circles with arguments, without coming to any conclusion.

How to balance vata to keep up our internal momentum without getting blown away?

According to ayurveda, "you are what you digest", meaning that health and wellbeing start with a balanced diet.

People with a vata constitution have erratic, irregular metabolism, so regular nourishing food is essential to keep them balanced. Skipping meals and cold, raw meals should be avoided.

🤢 Foods to avoid, or eat with moderation:

• Pungent (spicy): hot peppers, radish, buckwheat

• Bitter: dark leafy greens

• Astringent: legumes, lentils, cauliflower and some fruits (like apples and pears)

• Cold foods: salads and raw vegetables

• Dry foods: puffed grains and cereals, dry fruits (unless soaked or cooked first)

😋 Foods to favour:

• Sweet: juicy fruits and most grains

• Sour: citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar and fermented foods

• Salty: salts, celery, seaweed (e.g. kombu)

• Warming spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves and garlic

• Oily foods, such as most nuts and seeds

(bottom, right) The tri-doshic quality of amaranth makes it an excellent choice for anyone, and cooked with heating spices and sweet dates and topped with oily walnuts and flax seeds it is an excellent porridge alternative to balance vata. (top) Pulses are astringent in taste, therefore they should be consumed with moderation by vata types or during the vata season. The otherwise nutritious and protein-rich black lentils can be balanced out with warming red rice and spices, such as mustard seeds, garlic and ginger; celery and kombu for saltiness; sweet potatoes for sweetness; and tomatoes for sourness; to avoid aggravating the vata dosha

😴 Avoid stimulants to promote rest

The constant motion of vata can cause insomnia. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, or staying up late watching TV and looking at electronic devices, or any other stressful activities in the evening. Instead, find some time during the for relaxation and calming, grounding activities, such as walking or yoga.

🧘‍♀️ Take a break and get grounded

Make meditation a daily habit, because even a few minutes daily can help restless vata types find the relaxation they need for healthy functioning. Begin any meditation by grounding into your physical body. Feel where it makes contact with the floor, cushion or chair, and let this be your anchor. When your mind wanders, gently return your focus to that point of contact.

😤 Practice alternate nostril breathing

This practice called nadi shodhana balances the left and right sides of the body and mind, settling anxiety and mental restlessness.

Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Gently close the right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale slowly through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with your ring finger, lift your thumb, and exhale smoothly through the right nostril. Inhale back up through the right nostril. Exhale left, and continue this rhythm, ensuring the breath is effortless and smooth.

The speed and lightness of air and ether in vata propel us forward pursuing our creative vision with the wind in our sail. The same wind can whip up into a storm, tossing our boat around with no solid foothold to be found anywhere, and no ground in sight.

The key is to keep moving forward without fully losing our solid footing and stability.

❓Which quality of balanced vata — the agility, creativity or communication — does your leadership need most right now?

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Thank you for reading and have a wonderful week ahead.

The light in me honours the light in you.

Namaste