Catch the Wind in Your Sails! Understanding Vata in Leadership

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

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

Now that those of us living in the Northern hemisphere are entering the colder months dominated by this vata energy, let us explore how we can balance and harness it to our advantage.

Ayurveda (ayur = life, veda = wisdom), often called the "sister science of yoga" and recognised as one of the most ancient forms of holistic medicine, speaks of five elements that make up the entire universe and us within it: Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Space.

These elements combine to form three doshas, known as vata (air + space), kapha (earth and water) and pitta (fire + water). These doshas are believed to govern a person’s physiological, mental and emotional wellbeing. While we have all three doshas present in our mind and body, most of us tend to have one or two doshas predominating.

Wondering which one is yours? Here is an online test you can take to find out.

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.

There are also times of the year and times of the day when vata is naturally higher. The vata season covers the colder months from mid-autumn until mid-winter, when nature goes through drastic changes. During the day, vata peaks between 2pm and 6pm, a peak time for tasks requiring creativity, mental clarity, and focus. During the night, vata time falls between 2am and 6am, a period marked by alertness and clarity, ideal for meditation and spiritual practices, so ayurveda recommends waking by 6am to make use of this powerful period and avoid sluggishness in mind and body.

How does our leadership benefit from a balanced vata?

🌟 We shine with positive enthusiasm

💡 We are inspiring, creative leaders

⚡ We have an agile mind that moves quickly

🗣️ We are very social and good communicators

⛅ We love change and adapt well to a dynamically changing environment

What happens if vata is agitated (in excess)?

🤔 We become forgetful and find it hard to focus

😱 Anxiousness and worry can take over and we feel overwhelmed in a stressful situation

✂️ Tendency to start new projects, and failing to see them through

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

How to balance pitta so that our internal fire keeps feeding our momentum without scorching the ground around us?

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.

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful week ahead.

The light in me honours the light in you.

Namaste