The F Word

By Madhuri Phillips • July 16th, 2012 • 4397 Views

Maybe I’m enlightened or perhaps we’ve just had more then two consecutive days of sunshine in a row, (not a small miracle here in Vancouver) or could it be that I’m changing my perspective to see things through a different lens? Riding my bike through the city, along the seawall, looking out to the ocean, stopping to eat sushi and tapioca pudding whilst soaking up the sun and vibe of summer, I am overflowing with gratitude. I can’t help it. I’m bubbling over, bursting forth, sprouting new buds of enthusiasm and excitement not only for what lies ahead but also for right now. Right friggin now! Seeing obstacles as miracles in disguise, as gifts, as protection from the Universe who knows better then me what will help me to grow and evolve in this crazy life.

I have always been quite disciplined, growing up training in dance and various other sports and art forms. I excelled in school and always wanted to do my best. However as I got older a shadow of heaviness came over me; it was called responsibility and I didn’t know how to dance with it. My life became lopsided. I was running a yoga studio, trying to recover from a seven-year illness and struggling to pay the rent. Life felt hard and I wasn’t having any of the ‘f’ word. Fun, that is!

Fun, play and joy are integral aspects of healing and living. Without them enthusiasm wanes, struggle sets in and the weight of the world weighs heavy on our shoulders. Can you relate? Fun is light, enthusiastic, creative. In Ayurveda these are characteristics that describe vata dosha, comprised mainly of the elements air and ether. When too much heaviness takes over our mind or body a kapha imbalance may manifest. Kapha is made up of the elements earth and water, which are very good for sustainability, consistency and resilience yet in excess can show up as dullness, lethargy or depression. Pitta dosha consists of the fire and water elements and can be the spark that seeks out fun and play or out of balance can be the taskmaster and no-fun-Netty because everything is goal oriented and result based. Fun for the sake of fun, that’s what I’m talking about. No agenda or need to check it off the to-do list (although if you’re very goal oriented I would suggest putting this at the top of...

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Location:  Vancouver, CA

Madhuri is an internationally known Yoga teacher, certified Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (CAS) and Pancha Karma Specialist (PKS), receiving certification from the California College of Ayurveda. She has done advanced study with world renowned, Dr. Vasant Lad...