Learning to soothe yourself is fundamental to health and healing. It means that you become more non-reactive and you can deal with the anxieties and stresses of life much better. You will be less prone to addictions and attachments and will cultivate more equanimity. Vata dosha will calm down and you will be less overwhelmed and overloaded by what is going on around you.
Unfortunately, self-soothing skills are rarely taught and learned as we grow up. Fortunately, Ayurveda and Yoga offer a number of ways that we can learn the art of regulating our own emotions.
I am personally learning how to do this for the first time in my life. These skills and practices are transforming how I experience the world and help me to maintain a much calmer perspective and not blow things out of proportion. I’m much less likely to magnify things or personalize them these days.
Here are some ways that you can use the ancient practices to calm modern anxieties:
Conscious breathing
Developing ‘witness consciousness’ and observing without reacting
Spending time in nature (number one for me, especially by the ocean)
Positive self-talk
Having a daily routine
Eating for my dosha
Getting plenty of sleep
Accepting the things I cannot change
Changing the things I can
Visualizing the future I do want
Using essential oils
Abhyanga or self-massage
Using mantras, mudras and pranayama
Meditation
Flowing through my Yoga postures on my mat
Replacing negativity with self-compassion
Stroking my dog
Reading or watching positive and uplifting things
Tea
Candles
Soft-lighting
Cozy fresh sheets
Time and space to be alone and breathe
Yoga Nidra
Soup or kitchari
Everyone will have a different cocktail that works, find the things that resonate with you. Happy Soothing!