Through the lens of Ayurveda, we’re able to see the world around us in terms of qualities and energy, realising that every season and type of weather affects us differently. Everything we interact with on a daily basis becomes a part of us: the food we eat becomes our physical body, our thoughts and wonders fill our minds, our actions and reactions become our experiences, and our experiences make up the story of our lives. Our lives are therefore affected by different energies and qualities – whether heavy and cold, fast and light, hot and intense or balanced and calm. Do you experience any of these qualities more than others?

Summer is a time when the qualities of heat, intensity, movement and fieriness can be felt the most. These qualities are associated with Pitta, the ayurvedic dosha governed by fire and water. I think of the pitta energy a little like hot oil in a pan – it’s intense, it’s liquid and hot, it’s ready to get to work, and sometimes it needs to be approached with caution…

Pitta Energy

We all have a certain amount of pitta energy within us, and anyone deemed a ‘pitta-type’ person has a dominant amount. It follows therefore, that a pitta type person who interacts with the qualities of pitta will increase their quantity of pitta energy. When there’s an excessive amount of pitta energy in the body and mind, we’re said to become ‘imbalanced’. Excess pitta can present itself as inflammation, anger, irritability, internal heat, acid reflux and skin irritations like eczema. For reference, a pitta ‘type’ person is usually quite dominant, focussed, likes to ‘get things done’, enjoys exercise and intensity, but can be easily irritated and angry too. In other words; they’re ‘fiery’. Know anyone like this?

The warmest time of the year, midsummer is peak pitta season. The heat of the sun is strong and there’s more humidity in the air. Often our energy is higher and more intense. Pitta season is a wonderful time to move with this energy and make the most of the extra energy, determination and fieriness you may be feeling, but it’s also a time to be aware of when it’s necessary to cool things down….

Five Ways To Make The Most Of Pitta Energy

Use your increased fieriness positively

1. Finally tick off those things that have been at the back of your mind and bottom of your to-do list for a while.
2. Speak your mind, even if it means being assertive and strong
3. Get rid of clothes you know you really don’t need any more. The increase in pitta energy will help you be more ruthless when it comes to donating or recycling that shirt you haven’t worn for years!
4. Challenge yourself to take part in a stronger yoga class or gym class you haven’t tried before. Especially if intense workouts aren’t your usual choice.
5. Be decisive and confident about your actions. Try doing what you know is right and what you feel like doing, rather than worrying what others think.

Five Ways To Cool and Balance Pitta Energy

Be aware when things get a little too heated

1. Don’t react. Pitta types are prone to exploding when something irritates them, so try breathing and pausing before you open your mouth.
2. Spend more time doing gentle activities like walking or swimming. Spending more time near water is a particularly effective way to promote calmness and coolness.
3. Consume watery, cool foods like cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, apples and pears. Herbs like coriander, basil, mint and marshmallow root can also help reduce excessive pitta energy and internal heat.
4. Let someone else take the reins. This can be very challenging if you’re dealing with an increase in pitta energy. But it will ultimately encourage huge personal growth. If you feel you need to be in charge and don’t often listen to other people’s opinions, set an intention to practice listening, letting others help, and cultivating more softness and serenity.
5. Surround yourself with cooling, calming colours like blue, pale green and pastel colours. If you know people that are cooling and calming too, spend a little more time with them. Be open to learning from them.