Meditation for Vata

Vata types (see Portrait of Vata) should practice meditation in order to calm their restless minds and nerves and to relieve their inherent tendency to fear and anxiety. Meditation helps them sleep, alleviates their digestion, and strengthens their immune system.

Wrongly done meditation however can be ungrounding and quickly space Vatas out. They can get lost in their thoughts and need to learn the art of concentration first. For that reason it is better to do mantra or visualization type of meditation rather than try to empty their minds.

Vata types should not try to stop or suppress their mental activity but rather let it move freely. The goal is to let the mind soar without losing its focus.

Vata people have trouble sitting still and without some asana practice may not last long in the same posture (see Yoga posture for your dosha). It is a good idea to do some relaxation exercises or take a walk first.

Deep breathing exercises (Pranayama) may initially make Vatas feel tiered. In this case do a little rapid deep breathing until your mental clarity returns. Never be forceful with Pranayama and introduce it gradually.

Visualization, affirmation and mantras:
For visualization, Vata people should use earthy, watery and fiery images like a mountain, a lake or the ocean, flowers like rose or lotus, light like the fire or the sun at dawn. Colors gold and saffron work good for them.

Vatas should affirm the basic peace and fearlessness of their higher nature and learn to let go of worry and anxiety. They should have faith to some form of God or great teacher to take care of them on the inner planes.

Vata pacifying mantras are RAM (a like in father), SHRIM (shreem) and HRIM (hreem). You’ll find more meditation tips in Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization (See all Ayurveda Books)
by David Frawley.

TODAY’S TIP: Meditation heals the mind returning it to its original calm and concentrated state in which our mental energies can be renewed and transformed. Its benefits extend to the body as well.