According to Ayurveda, we are each a unique mix of the elements of ether, air, water, fire and earth. Based on our elemental make-up, we are assigned a primary, secondary and tertiary dosha. The three doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each person is made of all the elements and, therefore, have characteristics both physical and subtle of each dosha. However, the initial elemental makeup which existed at the time of our conception, otherwise known as our constitution, determines how much of each dosha we have and, therefore, what we need in order to return to our most natural elemental state, or doshic balance. It is through the discovery of a person's constitutional dosha and their current state of doshas that the Ayurvedic practitioner creates an individualized plan for one person’s health.
Vata dosha is made up of ether and air, and therefore its attributes are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear. These elements give way for movement within the body. Vata is responsible for our thoughts, our heartbeat, our gastrointestinal tract, our lungs and our diaphragm. When in balance, vata provides gifts of compassion, intuition, creativity and an infectious enthusiasm for life.
Pitta dosha is made up of fire and water and therefore its attributes are intense, light, sharp, hot and oily. Because of it’s elemental make up, pitta controls digestion, metabolism and energy production. The primary function of pitta is transformation and its fiery nature can manifest in the mind and body. When in balance, pitta provides gifts of enthusiasm, passion, determination and is incredibly warm.
Kapha dosha is made up of water and earth and therefore its attributes are cool, heavy, soft, cloudy and moist. Because of it’s elemental make up, kapha controls the body’s structure, stamina, strength and fat. In balance, kapha provides stability, devotion, kind-heartedness, and attention to detail. Kaphas are known for being loyal and for their great skin!
My Why…
Hello and welcome! My name is Britney and I am honored to share my personal journey with you. I am the mother of 3 boys, plus a lovely bonus son, and when my children were young I was committed to finding alternative and natural ways to treat injury and illness in our home. I have always felt passionate about the way food impacts our immediate and long term health. I also learned early in my journey that the energetics of food, sensory input, human interaction, and personal state of being made a great difference in my current state of health. Energy plays a far greater role in our life experience than is usually recognized. My search for healthy lifestyle practices for myself and my children resulted in the discovery of Ayurveda. Ayurveda’s focus on individuality sold me almost immediately on it’s benefits. As a Montessori educator, I was already convinced that no two people are exactly alike and need the exact same things. I also learned through years of research and practice that our needs change and that the most important health tool we can possess is the ability to really listen to our bodies. Fad diets that claim a “one way for all” approach are not only deceiving but can be incredibly dangerous.
How Did I Get Here
Year after year my love affair with Ayurveda has grown. What started as a go-to google search for ear infection, wart, and respiratory illness remedies soon turned into a fascination with the energetics of foods, a deep curiosity about the elements and their role in our health, and the opportunity to discover spirituality in a way that I had never experienced or even imagined. In time, the practices of self-care led to sincere and authentic self-love; a fascinating new discovery for me. The more I seek guidance outside myself, the more Ayurveda shows up as a way to guide me to search within. I eventually discovered that the answers to my own health exist inside of me; inner peace and tranquility, the ability to love, forgive, and engage with people in my life, and the ability to feel physically at ease. My personal journey eventually led me to a recognition of my dharma and now I get to explore Ayurveda in all aspects of my life, including professionally.
I am an incredibly proud momma. I find few things as satisfying as celebrating the accomplishments and passions of these wonderful young men. I am married to the love of my life and together we are boldly creating the life we have envisioned for years. Our family rule is “kindness,” for only good can come when we are acting in authentic kindness. I am a novice gardener who finds deep satisfaction and peace while working in my garden. I love the outdoors; camping, hiking, rafting, paddle boarding and walking barefoot on sandstone. I am ridiculously proud of my two dogs, Maggie and Moqui. I appreciate the healing properties of food and love to cook, I find playing with and exploring the effects of herbs delightful, and my appreciation for self-love practices grows by the day.
I began studying with the California College of Ayurveda in 2017. I am a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, and Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiver serving clients in person in and virtually with great success. As a retired Montessori educator, I am a confident teacher who is concerned with educating my clients about the principles of Ayurveda, allowing them to continue to improve on their personal practices independently for a lifetime. My practice is built on Maitri, which means benevolence or loving kindness towards oneself.