Just as the seasons contain elements of the doshas, so do the hours of the day.  6 am to 10 am is Kapha time.  On awakening for the day, you probably feel slow, relaxed, and calm, all Kapha attributes.  10 am to 2 pm is Pitta time.  This is when we are at our most active and efficient.  Our digestion is strongest between noon and 1 pm, so we can take advantage of that by making lunch our largest meal of the day.  Pitta time is most productive for learning.  From 2 pm to 6 pm it is Vata time, when we are at our most creative.  The cycle repeats again in the evening hours.  Kapha time is 6 pm to 10 pm, when we slow down for rest.  Pitta time is 10 pm to 2 am when Pitta keeps our body warm, and we use this heat to digest food and rebuild body tissues.  And then Vata time is from 2 am to 6 am, when our creativity is expressed in the form of active dreams.

In Vedanta, which comes from the same roots as Ayurveda, there are four “yogas” or paths, through which to pursue our spirituality. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to yoke,” or “to unite.” The practice of yoga helps us to unite with body, mind, and spirit. For the month of May have looked at each of the four different yogas. This is the fourth:

Bhakti Yoga is the path of love. “Bhakti” means devotion. It is said that through love and devotion, we discover who we truly are. This is love of all creation. When we love without expectation, we experience the greatest feeling there is. Love is pure awareness. Love is available to all of us, and it is an irresistible force!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

In Vedanta, which comes from the same roots as Ayurveda, there are four “yogas,” or paths, through which to pursue our spirituality. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means“to yoke,” or “to unite.”   The practice of yoga helps us to unite with body, mind, and spirit.  For the month of May we are looking at each of the four different yogas.  This is the third:

Raja Yoga is known as the path of meditation.  The idea is that by stilling the mind through meditation, we can experience more of our true selves.  It explains that we need to settle the mind, which is constantly stirred up with thoughts just as a lake is muddied through activity.  When the lake settles down, the water becomes clear; so it goes with our mind.  This tranquil state of mind lets us think clearly and see what is important in life.  Kaphas, who like to be still and quiet, may be attracted to Raja Yoga.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

In Vedanta, which comes from the same roots as Ayurveda, there are four “yogas” or paths, through which to pursue our spirituality. The word “yoga”comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to yoke” or “to unite.”  The practice of yoga helps us to unite with body, mind, and spirit.  For the month of May we are looking at each of the four different yogas.  This is the second:

Karma Yoga is the path of work.  But it is work without attachment to the end result.  Rather than working for a paycheck, it is working as a spiritual offering.  You could also call this the path of service.  The path of Karma Yoga explains that working for external “things” leads us to disappointment, because we can never meet all of our expectations, it is never “enough.”   Instead, when we work as a service to ourselves and to others, we can experience spirit in everything we do.  Vatas, who are so active, and not usually motivated by money, may be drawn to Karma Yoga.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

In Vedanta, which comes from the same roots as Ayurveda, there are four “yogas,” or paths, through which to pursue our spirituality. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to yoke” or “to unite.”   The practice of yoga helps us to unite with body, mind, and spirit.  For the month of May we will look at each of the four different yogas.

Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge.  This is the path that is directed by the mind.  To follow this path, we use affirmations to remind ourselves about what is real, what is true.  This “right thinking” helps us to shed the veil of illusion and see ourselves as we truly are: pure, perfect, and free.  Jnana Yoga takes reasoning, and Pittas, who are so good at intellectualizing, may be drawn to this path.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Ayurveda is “The Science of Life.” And life is all about relationships. It’s about our relationship with our selves, our environment and all the people in our lives. Ayurveda can teach us how to get along with anyone, anytime, anywhere, because when we understand the principles behind this science, we are more understanding and accepting of a person’s nature. We become better people because we learn to love “what is”, rather than what we think “should be.” This whole concept is what led me to write “What’s Your Dosha, Baby?” In it you’ll find lots of information to improve your love life, but also ways for you to better work with people, parent your children, and be a friend. Today is my birthday. I would love it if you would help me celebrate by buying yourself a gift, my book! Amazon has it for just $9.72 now, that’s 35% off the cover price. It is my dharma to bring Ayurveda to the western world, and you can help me do that. If you already have the book, consider getting another one and donating it to your local library so that we can help others to learn about this beautiful science. Thank you!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Most of you know that I’m a big movie buff.  I have movie reviews that I post on familyeveryday.com.  And I love India, and all things about India.  So when a movie comes out about India, or that was made in India, I go to see it!  The Indian film industry is known as “Bollywood,” and they have made some wonderful movies.  Because of the societal traditions, here are some onscreen rules that are followed, including no kissing.  This is a big contrast to American films which typically display more than we want to see at times!  I love the songs, and the colorful costumes, and the delightful dialogue.  The most recent Bollywood style film I saw was “Bride and Prejudice,” with Aishwarya Rai.  She is the biggest star in India right now, and is known as one of the most beautiful women in the world.  We’ll be seeing lots more from her lately, as Hollywood has come courting her!

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

According to the Ayurvedic system of health, good mental function is composed of three attributes: the acquisition, the retention, and the recollection of knowledge.  If you cannot concentrate because you feel tired, this may be a Kapha imbalance, and some Kapha tea may prove stimulating.  Kaphas can retain and recollect well, but tend to have more difficulty with the acquisition of knowledge.  If you feel you cannot concentrate because you are under stress, some Vata tea may be calming.  Vatas acquire knowledge readily, but they can’t always retain it.  If you are feeling frustrated with your work, the cooling effects of Pitta tea may help.  Pittas can be perfectionists, and demand a lot of themselves.  College students may want to keep all three teas on hand, particularly during final exams!

Gotu Kola from Organic India

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Malas are made of 108 stones or beads. The number 108 is meaningful in the Vedic tradition. This number comes from multiplying the 12 astrological houses by the 9 planets. The malas also have a meru bead, and a tassel, to remind us of the teachers in our lives. Traditionally the mala is held between the thumb and middle finger, and as each bead is passed, a mantra, is said quietly or silently. This is done until the meru bead is reached, then the mala is reversed and the process goes on until the meru bead is reached again. Repeating a mantra is an excellent way to calm the mind and keep the thought of spirit in our everyday lives.

I have been looking for some mala beads to have for sale on the whatsyourdosha.com site and I have finally found just the right ones.  These are from India, and they are absolutely beautiful, and so filled with wonderful energy.  You can just feel it when you hold the beads between your fingers.  I have three different kinds: garnet, citrine, and crystal & rudraksha.  Each one serves a different purpose, and has suggested mantras to go with them.  Take a look and see if any of them resonate with you.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)

Vatas can be the class clown.  They are fun and spontaneous and always up for an adventure.  The downside is that they can be flaky, forgetting appointments, or showing up late for a date.  Vatas make friends easily, but they don’t necessarily keep the same friends for a long time.

Pittas are organized and always have a plan.  They know how to make things happen.  Pittas can be workaholics, so they make a lot of their friends in the work setting.  Pittas are not sentimental, but they can be good friends.  They can also be bitter enemies, you don’t want to get on their bad side!

Kaphas are very loyal long-term friends.  They love to take care of their friends, and you can always count on them to bring over that chicken soup when you’re under the weather.  Kaphas place a lot of value on friendship, and they acknowledge everything you do for them.  They are emotional and sentimental, but when out of balance they can be clingy and possessive.

Lissa Coffey’s online newsletters and article content may be reprinted provided the following credit line is included:

Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)