What's my dosha?
Take this five-minute quiz to start the journey of discovering your Ayurvedic dosha (mind/body constitution): Vata, Pitta or Kapha. To get an accurate assessment, you will need to see an Ayurvedic practitioner. This self assessment can be a fun way though to begin to explore the doshas. Know that we all have qualities of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and some qualities may be more dominant at different points in your life. Answer the questions by what has been most consistently true about your life over the years. Keep track of your answers on a piece of paper. Once you've completed the quiz, I'll share some tips on how to balance the doshas.
1. Which describes your body frame and weight?
A – VATA I am thin and don't gain weight easily.
B – PITTA I have a medium to muscular build.
C – KAPHA I'm curvy in all the right places.
2. How would you describe your skin?
A – VATA My skin is thin and dry. You can easily see my veins.
B – PITTA My skin is normal to oily and prone to redness.
C – KAPHA My skin is oily and smooth.
3. What about your eyes?
A – VATA I have small eyes and have trouble maintaining eye contact. If you're going out to a restaurant with me, make sure I'm facing the wall.
B – PITTA My eye contact is penetrating. I barely blink.
C – KAPHA I have large eyes and a loving gaze.
4. and your hair?
A – VATA I have dry, frizzy hair. You don't want to see me without product.
B – PITTA My hair is thin, red, prematurely grey or balding.
C – KAPHA I have thick, luscious hair. Think hair product commercials. Yeah, that's me.
5. On body temperature and climate...
A – PITTA I tend to run hot and prefer cooler climates.
B – VATA My hands and feet are usually cold. I prefer warmer climates.
C – KAPHA I can adapt to different climates although I dislike cold and damp climates.
6. How would you describe your physical flexibility?
A – PITTA I have moderate flexibility.
B – KAPHA I don't have much range of motion.
C – VATA I'm pretty flexible.
7. How would you describe your memory?
A – VATA I'm best with short term.
B – PITTA Good overall memory.
C – KAPHA I'm best with long term.
8. What about your thoughts?
A – VATA My thoughts change often.
B – PITTA My thoughts are usually about me.
C – KAPHA I often think about the past.
9. How do you tend to learn?
A – VATA I learn things fairly quickly.
B – PITTA I am able to concentrate and focus on a task.
C – KAPHA It takes me longer to learn new things.
10. How well are you at staying on task?
A – VATA I can only focus in short bursts. My mind is too busy with innovative ideas to zero in on just one.
B – PITTA If it's a task I'm genuinely interested in, I can stay focused... otherwise my thoughts tend to wander.
C – KAPHA I'm a champ at staying on task! I keep my eyes on the prize no matter what distractions tempt me!
11. On goals...
A – PITTA I'm a goal-crushing machine. When I set my sights on a target, I don't stop working towards it till IT'S MINE!
B – KAPHA If I'm genuinely committed, I can achieve my goals! I've got enough drive to keep going through thick and thin.
C – VATA I don't really get down with goals. I've tried to set 'em in the past, but I usually just end up feeling a bit bored and guilty for not following through.
12. What is your sleep like?
A – VATA My sleep is light, like the wind.
B – PITTA I don't need much sleep and I like to tell people about it.
C – KAPHA Sleep is my favorite. I can easily sleep for over 9 hours.
13. What are your dreams like?
A – VATA My dreams can be fearful or include flying or running.
B – PITTA My dreams are adventurous, passionate and sometimes violent.
C – KAPHA My dreams are romantic. I see McDreamy on the beach.
14. When stressed...
A – VATA I tend to blame myself.
B – PITTA I tend to blame others.
C – KAPHA I tend to watch Netflix.
15. What's your dream vacation?
A – VATA A yoga retreat on a remote island.
B – PITTA Somewhere with lots of culture and history. I like creating an itinerary so I don't miss anything on my list!
C – KAPHA A remote cabin in the woods where no one can find me.
16. What's your workout of choice?
A – VATA I love flow yoga especially with music.
B – PITTA High intensity cardio or strength training. I need to make sure I'm sweating, burning calories or building strength.
C – KAPHA I love taking a stroll, or more restorative types of yoga.
17. At a party, you're most likely to be...
A – VATA Chatting with friends, and perfect strangers! I can strike up a conversation with anyone!
B – KAPHA I find a seat and get comfy. I don't chase after people... Plus I've got enough on my mind to keep myself happily occupied.
C – PITTA I keep an eye out for the most influential folks in the room and make a point of introducing myself.
18. On friends...
A – VATA I am a social butterfly and love parties. I have a lot of friends.
B – PITTA I tend to choose friends who will elevate my career.
C – KAPHA I have friendships that last a lifetime.
19. About food and bevies.
A – VATA I prefer warm food and bevies.
B – PITTA I'll eat whatever is in front of me.
C – KAPHA I am a foodie.
20. How would you describe your digestion?
A – VATA My digestion is sensitive. I have trouble with dairy, gluten or raw foods.
B – PITTA My digestion is strong, sometimes prone to diarrhea.
C – KAPHA My digestion is slow. I can go a day without a BM.
21. How would you describe your overall attitude?
A – VATA I am creative, spontaneous and love to come up with new ideas and projects.
B – PITTA I am goal oriented, focused and driven. I get s#*t done!
C – KAPHA I am relaxed and grounded.
Interpret the Results
Pitta
Pitta dosha is comprised of the elements of fire and water.
You may notice that you're driven, determined and fearless! People look up to you for guidance and direction because you are a natural leader. When balanced, you're bright, friendly, and a good decision maker. When out of balance you tend to get angry, irritable, judgmental and aggressive. People might be afraid of you. You basically can scorch the village with your fire!
Some tips to keep that fire stoked but not out of control:
· Be mindful of overworking, overexcersising, and overdoing things.
· Get enough rest. Avoid binge watching late into the night.
· Choose activities that are not competitive, e.g. yoga, walking, gardening.
· Minimize spicy foods, stimulants, e.g. caffeine, alcohol.
· Meditate.
Vata
Vata dosha is comprised of the elements of space and air.
You are highly creative, spontaneous and adventurous! You thrive on creating, whether that's a new project, company vision or a new chapter of your life. When balanced, you're energetic, a strong communicator and highly adaptable. When out of balance you tend to have an overactive mind that can lead to anxiety and insomnia. You may also notice you're more forgetful and have trouble following through on things.
Some tips to keep that creativity flowing but your body/mind grounded:
· Be mindful of starting too many new things at once. Choose one or two and complete them before moving onto the next.
· Create a more consistent schedule. Avoid inconsistent sleep and wake cycles, e.g. staying up late one evening then sleeping in, waking up early the next.
· Choose activities that are grounding especially in nature, e.g. walking, hiking, yoga.
· Minimize caffeine, alcohol and choose warm foods and drinks.
· Meditate.
Kapha
Kapha dosha is comprised of the elements of water and earth.
You are steady, loyal and strong. People gravitate towards you because you create a welcoming, psychologically safe space. You're a great listener, constantly being there for others. When balanced, you are calm, content and have healthy boundaries. When out of balance you tend to have low energy, are complacent and can get overly attached or needy.
Some tips to keep you steady and balanced:
· Be mindful of your boundaries. Practice saying no and make sure you're creating time and space for your own wellbeing.
· Get out of your routine! Yes, do something out of your comfort zone, e.g. like join a zoom dance party or join a dating app and swipe on someone you might not normally be a yes for!
· Choose activities with more cardio or high intensity. You will naturally gravitate towards more yin and restorative styles of practice. That is great AND mix it up with 20 minutes of something that gets you moving and shaking a bit.
· Minimize heavy, oily foods and favor lighter salads, soups, and juices.
· Meditate.
Curious about working together?
It is one of my greatest life passions to support you. Contact me to learn about my initial, FREE 30 min. consultation to discuss your needs, and how these yogic practices, Ayurveda and my guidance might be of support to you at 970-445-7825 or kelly@mountainlotus.com