“Watch closely, and you might see a Vata leap before the breath, a Pitta correct their partner, or a Kapha drift blissfully into Shavasana…”
Each of us walks through life carrying our Prakruti—that unique mix of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha quietly deciding whether we rush through things, perfect every detail, or prefer to move at our own sweet pace. It follows us everywhere—to work, to the dinner table, and yes, even onto the yoga mat, where it loves to reveal itself through every pose — right up to Shavasana and beyond!
As a yoga teacher—and an Ayurvedic physician—I can’t help but notice these little signatures of nature at play. While my students focus on breathing, stretching, and holding steady, my inner observer is quietly taking notes. The way someone moves into a pose, holds it, or fidgets their way out—each gesture tells a story. Yes, they are doing yoga, but I’m watching their Doshas in action, each one expressing itself with full personality on the mat—truly, Dosha poetry in motion.
Vata on the Mat: The Fluttering Wind
Vata in motion — always one step ahead of the breath
Light, quick, and unpredictable—Vata students arrive with energy that crackles like a gust of wind. Surya Namaskars? They zip through them so fast, sometimes I miss the breath cue before they’ve already lunged into the next pose. Holding a posture for more than 15–20 seconds can be a challenge—not because they lack strength, but because stillness feels like trying to leash the wind.
Curious and eager, Vata students meet every new asana like an adventure. They’re quick to try, quicker to move on, and often discover halfway through that they’ve skipped a step—or a breath. The joy of novelty lights them up, but grounding and repetition? That’s where their challenge lies.
Often, a Vata student has a touch of Pitta or Kapha mixed in, so they might try to focus or slow down—but the restless, airy side usually wins. And Shavasana? I usually guide everyone to lie down, watch their breath & belly move, settle & then chant Om, and slowly roll to sit—but Vata students can’t wait. They fidget, murmur their own Om, and just as I think they’ve finally settled… poof! They’ve already rolled up and are sitting, full of restless energy and enthusiasm.
Vata students in partnered or group classes can be fun too—they might zip ahead while others are still finding their breath, creating a playful “fast-forward” energy that nudges everyone along.
Pitta on the Mat: Precision with a Purpose
Pitta at work — focused, precise, sometimes fiery!
Pitta students arrive like little taskmasters on a mission: I will master this mat. Their fire is unmistakable—focused, determined, and a little intense. They care deeply about alignment, checking every finger, toe, and angle as if an invisible panel of judges is watching. Even in simple poses, there’s a quiet drive for perfection that makes you admire them…and sometimes sigh.
Their Dosha may carry a hint of Vata’s quickness or Kapha’s steadiness, so sometimes they move a bit faster or hold a pose longer—but the Pitta fire usually dominates, driving their precision, focus, and inner intensity.
Tough asanas are a battlefield: master it, and there’s quiet triumph; struggle, and Shavasana becomes a recovery space for the ego. But they thrive on progress, feedback, and occasionally, silently taking notes on posture and breath counts.
Pitta students treat a new asana like a puzzle to solve—or a dragon to conquer. They approach it with focus and determination, eager to understand every detail and refine it with each try. If it clicks, there’s satisfaction; if not, you can almost see the gears turning, planning how to “get it right” next time.
And in partnered classes? Oh, the subtle joys! Pitta types will quietly peek, correct, or coach their partners—even when not asked. This is especially evident in couples or friends practicing together—an affectionate nudge toward perfection that can spark both laughter and minor sibling rivalry.
Kapha on the Mat: The Gentle River Flow
Kapha blissfully enjoying the mat, one stretch at a time.
Kapha students bring a calm, unhurried energy to the mat. They move as if time itself is stretching with them—slow, deliberate, and steady. Surya Namaskars turn into a meditative glide, six rounds taking as long as others might need for twelve. Their strength is endurance; they can hold a pose longer than anyone else once they’re in it—it just takes them a while to get there.
Kapha students meet a new asana with a calm, cautious look—part curiosity, part negotiation. They’ll observe first, maybe stretch a little, and then ease into it at their own pace. Once in, they stay steady, rooted, and peaceful—as if the asana has been theirs all along. But getting started? That’s the uphill bit.
And then comes Shavasana—the Kapha paradise. While others are slowly wiggling their fingers or waiting for my cue to sit up, the Kaphas are blissfully still, floating somewhere between rest and sleep. Sometimes I cue them to roll over and sit, but they remain perfectly still—making me wonder if the internet connection dropped or if my screen has frozen. More often than not, they’re just there… peacefully soaking in every last drop of relaxation.
But when they finally do rise, it’s with a serene smile and an ease that reminds everyone—there’s no rush in yoga, or in life. The Kaphas know how to savour stillness, and maybe, just maybe, the rest of us could learn a bit of that art from them.
In partnered sessions, they’re the anchors—steady, kind, and quietly supportive. Their grounded energy can be a blessing for their partner, though sometimes it takes a gentle nudge (or two) to get them moving once they’ve fully settled in.
In the End… I Love Them All
Despite their doshic drama, I wouldn’t trade my students for anything. Every Vata flutter, Pitta fire, and Kapha slumber reminds me how beautifully unique our prakrutis are—and how they play out not just in life, but on the yoga mat too.
So if you’re in my class and you see me smiling as you move… just know, it might be the yoga teacher in me appreciating your effort.
Or it might be the Ayurvedic doctor in me silently muttering:
“Ah, classic Pitta response!”
Namaste 😊