Do you ever find yourself unable to focus on one task, jumping from one project to another? What happens when the mind tries to do too much at once?
This isn’t something new for anyone. We’ve all experienced it. It’s frustrating when we start a project, only to move on to another before finishing the first one, leaving us with multiple unfinished tasks and nothing fully completed.
In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science, this type of behavior is considered a sign of an imbalance in the Air and Ether elements within the mind. But what does that mean?
The Air element in Ayurveda has dry, light, clear, and mobile qualities. Like the wind in the sky, it moves within the Space (Ether) of our body and mind. The Air element is formless, but it can be felt when we breathe, as our lungs expand and contract, or when our muscles move and our hearts palpitate. This same flow occurs in our intestines, where food is digested and eliminated. Similarly, the mind experiences a flow of thoughts and desires that are governed by the Air element.
When the Air element is out of balance, we might experience rapid thoughts, jumping from one idea to the next. But when it is in harmony, we experience peacefulness and clarity. Imbalance can bring fear, anxiety, and insecurity, creating a sense of unease.
Ayurveda teaches us to understand the nature of our mind, to comprehend why we think and act as we do, and to show compassion toward ourselves. With this knowledge, we can apply holistic practices tailored to restore balance, helping us become more productive in our lives. A balanced mind leads to a more organized approach to work, smoother management of personal life, less stress over finances, and healthier relationships with ourselves and others.
The Air element (Vata) in our internal world can be like the wind causing fire or environmental disturbances in nature. The difference is that our internal world is governed by a subtle energy called biological movement. The breath (prana), our life force, is deeply connected to the Air element. Our cells communicate through this flow of energy, and Vata governs both our physiological and emotional functions. When we are upset or anxious, we breathe faster, signaling that the Air element is responding to our emotional state. On the other hand, when we are calm and happy, our breath is slower, indicating that Vata is balanced.
So, how can we use this knowledge to maintain a balanced state of mind?
The truth is, there’s no such thing as a permanent state of happiness and calm. As humans, we are emotional beings, and we react to our environment and experiences. It’s impossible to be in the same mental state every hour of the day or night. However, the good news is that we have control over how we manage this state.
In typical situations, when we receive bad news, our initial reaction is often emotional. Over time and with practice, we can learn to return to a balanced state of mind. There are several simple holistic practices you can use in your daily routine to make this transition smoother:
- Use your breath: Start by taking three mindful (being focused) breaths and slow breaths to calm yourself down.
- Practice silence: Spend 10–15 minutes daily in silence, allowing your mind to settle. Avoid distractions like music, TV, or talking to others during this time.
- Take walks in nature: If possible, take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass. This will ground you energetically and calm your mind.
- Sit by water: If you’re near a body of water, sit quietly and observe the natural movements on the surface. The peacefulness of water can help still the mind.
- Drink herbal tea: Enjoy a warm cup of herbal tea, which can soothe and calm your thoughts without overstimulating your mind. The air element calms down with heat.
- Rest your mind: If you feel mentally fatigued, take a short nap. Cat naps are particularly effective for both the mind and body.
By doing these practices, you’ll find that your projects get completed without the usual frustration. You’ll experience a sense of calmness and balance that may have previously seemed impossible. Balancing your Air element is an act of self-love and self-care in Ayurveda, bringing harmony to both your mind and body.
Namaste,
Shab.
