My "dosha" or makeup is heavily "pitta" (fire)--which means that when I get out of balance, it tends to be in that area. "Fire" people are typically very driven, get things done, etc. That's on the positive side.
I've had a very "pitta" few weeks. Lots of amazing ideas and interactions, 16-hour workdays, traveling, producing....and I love it! Not just what is happening, but the whole mode. That go-go-go...how much can we possibly cram into a schedule, can't stop checking e-mail, etc. I thrive on it. The thing is, that mode isn't sustainable. I burn out. Typically what happens when I am in that mode is that I hit the wall. I get physically sick. My body takes me out of the game.
In that context, I learned something recently about the power of yoga. After a very pitta week--one I was completely enjoying--I went to a teacher training weekend. In high pitta mode, I couldn't meditate (my mind was completely absorbed with my to-do list and virtually editing an article I was writing). I practiced as the teachers were student teaching, but again, my mind kept chasing after its conquests...then we did yoga nidra.
And suddenly, my mind was quiet. I was back in balance.
I was able to be fully present at date night.
I edited my article with a more critical eye.
I slept well without stressing over that which was still left undone.
We often think about yoga as a healthy physical practice, but one of the things that I've learned in training is that it is a life practice--one that touches every part and makes it better.
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