Writer Brenda Koesterman
As a person that can lean heavily into a pitta imbalance, especially IN PITTA SEASON, I know far too well how hard it is to relax when my pitta dosha gets too high. I'll work too much, obsess over task lists, get frustrated and cross with imperfection and just "do it myself"!
Imbalanced pittas are our workaholics, our overachievers, our drivers (which can be very valuable traits at times). Sometimes, all we need to do to reduce a Pitta imbalance is simply relax.
So when I know we're in the season that activates my pitta anyway, and I need to stay focused on relaxing and keeping the fire that reigns hot hot hot to push my pitta imbalance high I make sure that I meditate and practice yoga daily.
A meditation practice is something you all listen to me talk about every time we meet.
I hear your feedback:
“I just can’t meditate”
“thoughts constantly come into my mind while I am trying to
practice”
“How can I sit there for an HOUR”
This and many other excuses are so normal. So start small…. 5 minutes, 3x a day. Just start with this. Next thing you know, you will crave 10 minutes, then 20, then 30 and now for me personally, I have a 1 hour afternoon reset meditation every day that feels like a solid NAP by the time I’m done. If you don’t manage it some days, if you just pull-out other days, whatever…. pick up again as soon as you are ready. Find that strong inner pitta and....
NEVER GIVE UP!!!!
I use pitta balancing asanas to ensure that I stay calm and feel balanced over the summer months. The asanas listed below allow for a practice that is accessible to all levels of experience. They can be used individually, to form an easy yin flow, or even as a sequence, holding each pose for 5 full breaths. When you inhale just hold the pose, and on the exhale deepen the stretch just slightly. Most importantly, relax! And Enjoy!
1. Balasana (childs pose)
2. Parsva Sukhasana (seated side bend pose)
3. Anjaneyasana (crescent lunge pose)
4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (half lord of the Fishes pose)
5. Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold pose)
Light exercise can be really helpful for destressing- easy swimming, walking, or yoga. Spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress and free the mind and soul. Find a nice park, wooded area to walk gently, take your pups, or whatever floats your boat in this area, but a consistent practice to calm and ease your mind.
DW Top Tips and Tricks to keep the FIRE at bay:
Meditate first thing in the morning to start your day, even if it is just 5 minutes then again when you feel activated or feel the pressure building. I aim for morning, mid-day, and when I finish my work day.
Get your exercise in early! I walk my dogs with my neighbor first thing after I meditate
schedule your yoga practice! Sometimes I practice after the dog walk, after the school run, end of the workday, or before bed!
No rules about when! Just a daily practice!!
Incorporate Pitta balancing foods throughout the day. Cool crisp foods like Watermelon, apples, figs, mung beans, coconut, celery, cabbage, and cilantro/coriander.
And enjoy the summer!