The Language of Nature

Beyond the atom, beyond the subatomic particle, lie the qualities of existence waiting to combine and take form.

The 20 Qualities
of Nature

10 Pairs of Opposites

Everything in existence can be described using these fundamental qualities. They shape all of nature, and we constantly absorb them through our senses—what we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

Understanding these qualities is the key to practicing Ayurveda.

When we recognize the specific qualities of an imbalance, the solution becomes clear: balance is achieved by introducing the opposite qualities.

Throughout this journey, we will use these qualities to understand your unique constitution, identify current imbalances, and determine the adjustments needed to restore harmony in body and mind.

Qualities of Nature and
Their Effect on the Mind

Hot – Passion, intensity, understanding
Cold – Lacking in passion and intensity, aloof, distant
Heavy – Realistic, burdened, stubborn
Light – Unattached, unconcerned, fragile
Stable – Unwavering emotions, reliable, consistent, dependable, slow and steady
Mobile – Mood swings, impulsive, inconsistent
Moist – Empathetic, compassionate
Dry – Fragile, rigid, lacking in emotion
Sharp – Focused, direct
Dull – Impenetrable, difficulty taking in information, slow to respond
Cloudy – Difficulty understanding and perceiving things as they are
Clear – Very perceptible, able to take in more information
Hard – Rigid
Soft – Gentle
Gross – Realistic, practical
Subtle – Esoteric, inspired, creative
Dense – Slow to respond and understand
Flowing – Creative, expressive
Rough – Lacking in tact
Smooth – Tactful, gentle, kind

Tune In

Which qualities are present in your mind and body right now?

The 5 Elements

Ayurveda teaches us that everything in nature is made up of qualities, and these qualities combine to form the fundamental elements of existence—Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Each of these elements carries distinct qualities that define its role in both the outer world and within us. Let’s explore them one by one.

Ether (Space)

Metaphor/Idea: Space + Connection

Primary Qualities: Cold, Dry, Subtle, Unstable, Light

In the Body: Hollow Space, Body Cavities, Channels

In the Mind: Creativity, Intuition, Divinity

Air

Metaphor/Idea: Motion + Gas

Primary Qualities: Dry, Light, Subtle, Mobile, Sharp

In the Body: Circulation + Absorption

In the Mind: Thoughts

Fire

Metaphor/Idea: Transformation, Intensity, Light, Heat, Radiance, Illumination

Primary Qualities: Hot, Dry, Unstable, Clear, Sharp

In the Body: Digestion, Metabolism, Body Temperature

In the Mind: Intensity, Passion, Anger, Certainty

Water

Metaphor/Idea: Flow, Fluidity, Compassion, Liquid, Cohesion

Primary Qualities: Flowing, Stable, Smooth, Soft, Heavy

In the Body: Blood, Plasma, Mucous, Urine, Sweat

In the Mind: Compassion, Sadness, Attachment

Earth

Metaphor/Idea: Solidity, Stability, Structure

Primary Qualities: Heavy, Gross, Dense, Stable, Rough

In the Body: Bones, Teeth, Feces

In the Mind: Stability, Support, Stubbornness

Which element do you think is dominant in the person who chooses these life paths?

The 3 Doshas

The three-dosha theory is the heart of Ayurvedic wisdom. The doshas are the basic physiological and psychological energies that govern the functions of the body and mind. Every body contains all three doshas, yet we are all unique combinations of these energies. Because of this, the path to balance looks different for all of us.

Vata

Sanskrit: That which moves things

Elemental Makeup: Space + Wind (Air)

Force: Motion

Physiology: Governs breathing, circulation, nervous system, elimination, joint mobility, and agility.

Physical Structure: Slender, delicate frames; naturally thin; struggles to gain weight; long face; prone to dry skin; easily gets cold (Ectomorph).

Gifts: Imagination and Creativity, Exhilaration and Excitement, Spontaneity and Changeability, Open-Mindedness

Symptoms of Imbalance: