Ayurveda and Emotional Wellness

Role of Assertiveness & Conscious Communication in Emotional Wellness

Assertiveness and conscious communication are pivotal to achieving and maintaining emotional wellness. Assertiveness involves expressing one’s thoughts, needs, and boundaries clearly and respectfully without being passive or aggressive. It empowers individuals to advocate for themselves while fostering healthy relationships and reducing stress. Conscious communication, on the other hand, emphasizes mindful and empathetic interactions. It encourages active listening, thoughtful responses, and awareness of the impact of one’s words. Together, these practices create a foundation for emotional well-being by enabling individuals to address conflicts constructively, express their emotions authentically, and build deeper, more meaningful connections. By integrating assertiveness and conscious communication into daily life, individuals can navigate emotional challenges with resilience, enhance self-esteem, and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. These approaches not only support personal wellbeing but also contribute to a harmonious and supportive environment.

What are the Barriers to Emotional Wellness?

Built-In Assumptions

Our fundamental beliefs and thought patterns in interpreting reality begin to take shape during early childhood. We absorb notions about our identity and the functioning of the world from our family, culture, education, and life events. These beliefs often operate beneath our conscious awareness, influencing our automatic responses to different life experiences.

Rigid Perspectives

When we cling too tightly to our beliefs, regarding them as absolute truths rather than mental constructs, they become rigid and confining. Fixed belief systems compel us to perceive reality through a narrow viewpoint, cutting us off from a broader understanding. If these beliefs are negative, they keep us trapped in reactive patterns that hinder personal growth.
A few examples of a toxic relationship with oneself:

• Self-criticism and negative self-talk.
• Aiming for perfection.
• Self-sabotage.
• Constantly comparing yourself with others.
• Inability to say no.
• Inability to accept compliments or praise.
• Being out of sync with or ignoring your feelings, thoughts, and intuition.

Typical examples of this thought pattern are:

• “That’s not fair.” When reality doesn’t align with our values or sense of fairness, this belief triggers resentment, bitterness, or feelings of victimization.
• “I must be perfect.” Self-judgment or an inner sense of inadequacy often accompanies this belief, leading to workaholism, perfectionism, or avoidance due to fear of failure or the need to constantly prove oneself to others.
• “I can’t trust anyone.” Adopting this view leads to isolation, depriving us of opportunities for connection, intimacy, and support, ultimately evoking unhappiness.
• “I’m unlovable.” Believing ourselves to be unworthy of love attracts unhealthy relationships or sabotages the good ones, leaving us closed off and unable to give or receive love.

Becoming More Flexible

Does this mean we should discard all our beliefs and values? We should not. However, not getting stuck with our predetermined beliefs and being more flexible enables us to navigate life with greater ease and wisdom. We uphold personal values and standards without being destabilized when reality diverges from our expectations. With less judgment and the need to be “right,” we experience reduced emotional turbulence.

Freeing Stuck Energy

To unearth the limiting beliefs lurking beneath our conscious awareness, we must dive into the depths of our subconscious minds. One effective approach is to connect with the energy fields of our bodies.

Eastern healing traditions recognize the presence of subtle energy vortexes known as chakras. Each of the seven major chakras in the subtle body corresponds to core aspects of our consciousness: security, creativity, personal power, connections, communication, and intuition. Imbalances in chakras reflect distorted beliefs and unmet needs.

When physical or emotional wellness issues arise, they often point to subconscious wounds in need of healing. Through introspection, energy work, and holistic therapies, we can address and transform these stuck places and energies within our body-mind.

Changing Thought Patterns

Once we become aware of self-defeating mental patterns, we no longer need to unconsciously believe or react to them. Instead of identifying with limiting narratives, we can embrace our true nature as expansive, creative beings with the ability to shape our inner experience.
Changing from a toxic to a positive relationship with oneself:

• You fully accept yourself.
• You are your best friend.
• You take care of your body, mind, and spirit.
• You learn forgiveness and how to loosen up.
• You set personal boundaries and protect your energy.
• You can introspect and work on needed improvements.
• You rely on yourself.
• You have self-respect and self-love.

How do we replace negative patterns?

• “This is one perspective, but this can be seen in a different light.” (Change of Perspective)
• “I have the means to handle whatever arises.” (Faith)
• “My value isn’t dependent on arbitrary standards.” (Eliminating “Could have, Would have, Should have”)
• “This experience reflects that I have something to learn, not who I am.” (Stop taking everything personally.)

Conscious Communication

Ayurveda recognizes the profound impact of conscious communication, drawing inspiration from the esteemed work of Michael Rosenberg. Through the dissolution of limiting beliefs, we transcend reactive patterns and embrace reflective responses.
Consider the contrast between Reactive and Reflective thinking patterns:

• Reactive: Feeling irritated by unexpected changes in plans.
• Reflective: Embracing change and awaiting its unfolding.
• Reactive: Procrastination or avoidance tendencies.
• Reflective: Feeling motivated and engaged.
• Reactive: Hesitating to share your talents with the world.
• Reflective: Feeling confident in expressing your authentic self.

As we liberate ourselves from rigid belief systems, we align with our intuition and act authentically. We cease to oppose our true nature, embracing harmony and self-expression.

Path to Emotional Wellness

The path to emotional wellness begins by releasing old beliefs, which entails stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Embracing the unknown requires vulnerability, as old fears may resurface. When we cease clinging to rigid identities, we reconnect with the energetic blueprint of our soul, with its unique gifts and purpose.

Ayurveda recognizes that each Ayurvedic doshas has specific emotional tendencies that can shape one’s approach to achieving emotional wellness

• Vata Dosha

Individuals with a dominant Vata dosha often experience a whirlwind of emotions due to their naturally lively and creative minds. To support emotional wellness, grounding practices are essential for Vata types. Techniques such as gentle yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing can help stabilize their often fluctuating energy. Emotional detox for Vata includes warm oil massages (Abhyanga), which soothe the nervous system, and journaling, which helps to process and release anxious thoughts. Additionally, a consistent daily routine and a diet of warm, nourishing foods can provide the stability that Vata needs to maintain emotional balance.

• Pitta Dosha

Pitta dosha types are characterized by their intense and passionate nature. To maintain emotional wellness, it is crucial for Pitta individuals to cool their fiery disposition. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, spending time in nature, and practicing cooling pranayama (breathwork) can help reduce stress and prevent irritability. For emotional detox, Pittas benefit from engaging in creative outlets like painting or writing to channel their intense emotions constructively. Incorporating cooling foods and herbs, as well as regular relaxation practices such as swimming or walking by water, can help soothe and balance Pitta’s emotional state.

• Kapha Dosha

Kapha dosha individuals are typically calm and compassionate, but they can struggle with emotional stagnation and attachment. To support emotional wellness, Kaphas should engage in stimulating activities that invigorate their minds and bodies. Techniques such as dynamic yoga, regular exercise, and pranayama can help lift their spirits and prevent emotional lethargy. For emotional detox, Kaphas benefit from practices like decluttering their living space, which symbolizes releasing old emotional baggage, and participating in group activities that promote social engagement and new experiences. A diet rich in light, spicy foods and periodic fasting can also help Kapha types feel more energized and emotionally balanced.

We realize that we are whole as we are, while simultaneously embarking on an adventurous journey of expansion. As we peel away layers of limitation, we feel lighter, more free, more peaceful, and more authentic.