Love Is a Vital Force: Ayurveda on Love, Ojas and Relationships

In Ayurveda, love isn't just an emotion. It's a vital force that affects our physical, mental and spiritual health. Love is our true, authentic state of being.

Love and ojas

Love is connected to ojas, the essence of vitality, strength and contentment. When ojas is strong, we give and receive love easily. When it's low, we may close our hearts, or stay stuck in old hurts. Holding on to resentment and fear takes a toll on our wellbeing, which is why emotional processing is such a big part of yoga and Ayurveda.

It starts with you

Love begins with our relationship with ourselves. When we find balance in how we respond to life, we can bring that into our relationships. If we don't care for our own energy, it affects our partner. A balanced mind and body invite growth and deeper intimacy.

How dosha imbalances show up in love

• Kapha may struggle to let go of the past and hold on to grudges, which keeps a relationship from growing.
• Pitta may run hot, with sharp words in heated moments, which can make a partner feel unsafe being vulnerable.
• Vata may struggle with consistency or commitment, and that unpredictability can create anxiety for both partners.

How to cultivate more love

Build your ojas: rest, nourishing food, joy and connection. Emotional resilience isn't about armouring your heart. It's about being willing to meet the challenges of love.

One of the simplest practices for couples is gratitude for each other. Loving-kindness (metta) meditation or a few minutes of alternate nostril breathing each day can bring calm and unity to your mind, which you can then extend to your partner.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep my classes free. This post is for general wellness education and isn't medical advice.

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