What is your mental/emotional “type,” according to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda identifies three basic mental states called the Mahagunas that determine our mental and emotional responses and teach us how to cultivate balance
To some degree, we’ve all experienced feeling sluggish, restless or (on good days) creative and inspired. How much you experience any of these mental/emotional states largely determines the quality of your life and health. Together, yoga and its sister science Ayurveda help you refine your awareness so you can recognize when you’re locked into a mental pattern that’s self-limiting or even self-destructive, and offer you new, healthier patterns as a replacement.
From yoga’s side of things, these might involve subtle techniques such as deep breathing, increasing your focus through challenging asanas, or conscious relaxation. Ayurveda on the other hand, tends towards more practical daily habits that you can integrate to shift your mental patterning towards the positive and effectively increase those good days where you feel balanced and at ease.
Ayurveda begins by describing three basic mental states called the Mahagunas, believed to be at the root of all physical existence:
Tamas (meaning “darkness”) describes the state of inertia and qualities of slowing and resisting
Rajas (meaning “female seed”) represents the spur to activity and qualities of action and movement
Sattwa (meaning “purity”) represents the state of creativity, balance, positivity and clarity
On their own, you can see that each of the Mahagunas plays an important role in your daily functioning: without Tamas, you’d never sleep, without Rajas, you’d never get out of bed, and without Sattva, you’d never experience the optimism needed to grow and help others. Though Rajas and Tamas often get a bad rap for representing anger and lethargy respectively, in balance they do allow you to perform essential tasks. In excess however, they can contribute to mental imbalance; too much Tamas can lead to depression, while too much Rajas can lead to anxiety and insomnia.
More helpful than thinking about these mental states as being “good” or “bad” is understanding your mental/emotional tendency (patterning) so that you can remove the factors contributing to it, and increase the behaviors that invite more balance.
Balancing Tamas
Tamasic states of mind allow for rationalizing, discernment and slowing down. These are especially important when you are overwhelmed or trying to make an important decision. In excess however, Tamas can lead you down the road to sadness and depression. If you know this is your tendency, Ayurveda recommends reducing your intake of processed food and alcohol, not sleeping too much, and to ensure you’re not experiencing a lack of sensory stimulation, or taking in only negative, depressing information (time to turn off that 24 hour news cycle!).
Balancing Rajas
Meanwhile, Rajasic states of mind allow for initiative, planning and execution - vital for moving forward in life and getting your big ideas off the ground. In excess, Rajas can leave you feeling irritable, obsessive and anxious however. If you recognize yourself in this description, the prescription is to reduce intake of red meat, spicy, salty and sour foods, excessive sensory stimulation like loud music, violent movies and podcasts, a pressurized lifestyle, and too much activity.
Cultivating Sattwa
Finally, to increase the state of Sattwa responsible for memory, devotion, courage and wisdom, Ayurvedic science recommends incorporating specific behaviors (known as Achara Rasayanas) such as practicing moderation in all things, enjoying uplifting experiences (think: time spent in nature, a good book), maintaining an orderly environment, keeping positive company, practicing regular meditation, avoiding gossip, and indulging in creative activities.
If you take into account the ever-increasing data suggesting that the majority of physical illness is rooted in mental stress, these small changes could have a profound impact on your mental and physical health.
